Noah Bridges, an outfielder for the Savannah Bananas’ Firefighters team, shared his experiences playing “Banana Ball,” a form of baseball known for its entertainment-focused approach and unique rules. In an account told to Jon Schwartz, deputy editor of Yankees Magazine, Bridges described the appeal of sprinting across the field, interacting with fans, and performing in sold-out venues.
Bridges reflected on his journey from a small town in North Carolina to playing Banana Ball professionally. He highlighted how personal connections with fans are central to their performances: “We also try as hard as we can to reach each person there, and do it on an individual basis. We talk to the kids, talk to their parents. Throw a ball with them if we can. Jesse Cole, the guy who created Banana Ball, constantly pushes us to try new things, to make the experience even better for the fans.”
After going undrafted following college baseball at UNC Wilmington due in part to changes caused by COVID-19 shortening the MLB draft rounds, Bridges found himself joining the Savannah Bananas after initially playing against them while with the Wilmington Sharks in the Coastal Plain League. The move led him into a role that blended sport and entertainment.
The popularity of Banana Ball has grown rapidly. What started in minor league parks expanded into games at major league stadiums and even football stadiums. This year included a performance at Yankee Stadium—a notable moment for both players and fans.
During one event at Yankee Stadium held shortly after the anniversary of September 11th, Bridges and other players walked onto the field alongside New York firefighters who had responded on 9/11. They carried a banner reading “WE WILL NEVER FORGET.” Bridges recounted: “We walked out holding the ‘WE WILL NEVER FORGET’ banner that was hung over the wreckage… That was some of the rawest emotion I’ve ever experienced.”
The event also featured appearances by figures such as Nick Swisher and Joe Torre; former NFL quarterback Eli Manning participated as an umpire; WWE wrestler Damian Priest threw out a ceremonial pitch; and Broadway performer Miguel Cervantes joined players in singing “My Shot” from Hamilton.
Bridges represented the Yankees during MLB’s Home Run Derby X competition earlier this year: “I was representing the Yankees, and Nick Swisher — who loves showing up at Bananas games and had an at-bat during the Sept. 14 game at Yankee Stadium was one of my teammates.”
He emphasized that despite perceptions about Banana Ball being more show than sport, participants are serious athletes: “If they see TikToks and clips and don’t take us seriously as baseball players… But I’m telling you, baseball is legit.”
Each game ends with crowd participation during Coldplay’s song “Yellow,” creating what Bridges described as memorable moments for both performers and audiences alike.
This story appears in October 2025’s edition of Yankees Magazine.
