Breaking News: Fans Go Bananas as Team Unveils Jesse Cole Statue at Historic Grayson Stadium
Savannah, GA — In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of baseball’s most unconventional team, the Savannah Bananas unveiled a bronze statue honoring their visionary founder, Jesse Cole, at the historic Grayson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony drew thousands of fans clad in the team’s signature yellow, and true to Bananas style, it was far from a traditional unveiling.
The life-sized statue depicts Cole in his iconic yellow tuxedo and top hat, tipping his hat with a wide grin — a fitting tribute to the man who transformed a struggling minor league team into a global entertainment phenomenon. Positioned at the entrance of Grayson Stadium, the statue will serve as a permanent reminder of the Bananas’ unique brand of baseball and showmanship.
“This isn’t just about me,” Cole told the roaring crowd, many of whom stood waving yellow foam bananas in the air. “This statue represents all of us — the fans, the players, the staff, and every single person who believed in the idea that baseball can be fun, different, and truly unforgettable.”
A Bananas-Style Celebration
Unlike a traditional sports statue unveiling, the Bananas orchestrated a full-blown spectacle. A brass band paraded through the stands, cheerleaders tossed confetti, and the Banana Nanas — the team’s beloved senior dance squad — performed a choreographed routine to thunderous applause.
The statue was dramatically revealed when players, dressed in yellow tuxedos, pulled back a giant banana-themed curtain as fireworks burst overhead. Fans erupted in chants of “JESSE! JESSE!” as Cole stepped forward, visibly emotional, to stand beside the bronze version of himself.
“Only in Banana Land could a statue unveiling feel like a championship celebration,” joked one fan, who had traveled from Texas to witness the event. “It’s about more than baseball — it’s about being part of something special.”
Cole’s Legacy
Since founding the Savannah Bananas in 2016, Jesse Cole has reshaped the baseball experience. With his relentless focus on entertainment, fan engagement, and what he calls “Fans First” philosophy, the Bananas quickly grew from a local curiosity into a global sensation.
Cole introduced Banana Ball, a fast-paced, high-energy version of the game designed to keep fans engaged from the first pitch to the last. He replaced traditional advertising with fan-centric antics, eliminated long breaks, and encouraged players to dance, interact, and put on a show. The result was nothing short of revolutionary.
Today, the Bananas have sold out every home game at Grayson Stadium for years, boast millions of followers on social media, and tour nationwide to play in sold-out ballparks. The team has been featured on national television, with highlights going viral on a regular basis.
“Without Jesse Cole, there are no Bananas,” said current team captain Bill LeRoy during the ceremony. “He gave us a platform to not just play baseball but to entertain, inspire, and connect with fans in ways we never thought possible. This statue is a small way to say thank you.”
Fans React
For many fans, the statue is more than just a tribute to a baseball executive; it’s a symbol of community and joy.
“Every time I walk into this stadium, I’ll see Jesse there tipping his hat,” said Savannah native Mary Allen, who has been attending Bananas games since the team’s first season. “He made baseball fun for my kids. He made Savannah a place people talk about all over the country. This statue belongs here.”
Others echoed the sentiment, praising Cole for embracing families, creating an inclusive environment, and proving that sports could be both competitive and entertaining.
A Permanent Landmark
The statue now stands prominently at the ballpark’s entrance, ensuring that future generations of Bananas fans will know the story of the man who dared to reimagine America’s pastime.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, who attended the unveiling, called the statue “a landmark not just for baseball, but for Savannah itself.”
“Jesse Cole has done something incredible,” Johnson said. “He took a stadium with so much history and gave it new life. He brought the world to Savannah and gave our city a new identity on the global stage. This statue is a well-deserved honor.”
Looking Ahead
Cole, ever the showman, hinted at what’s next for the Bananas. “This statue is a milestone, but we’re just getting started,” he teased. “We’ll keep pushing the boundaries, keep making baseball more fun, and keep creating moments fans will never forget.”
As the sun set over Grayson Stadium, fans lingered, snapping photos with the new statue, laughing, and chanting the team’s familiar motto: Go Bananas!
For Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas, the statue unveiling was not just a recognition of past success but also a celebration of the bright, banana-yellow future ahead.
