BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Savannah Bananas are coming, and there will be no shortage of smiles or laughter over the next three days at Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo.
The Bananas play baseball, but it's not exactly traditional. So, what should fans expect when they take the field against The Firefighters at 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday?
Here are some things to keep in mind.
The players will perform choreographed dances every game.
It could be Taylor Swift, or Beyonce, or Lil Nas X, or Justin Timberlake. There will be music, there will be dancing, and according to the Bananas themselves, you can expect it at certain parts of the game.
"Every game we have a 3-2-2, which stands for 3rd inning, second batter, second pitch. These are unique in-game pre-pitch dances that have combined together for over 300 million views on TikTok," the Bananas said on their website.
Walk-up music for batters isn't just about music choice.
Yes, the music has to appeal to fans, but it's more than that. It's about engagement, and they might not necessarily start the walk to the plate from the dugout.
"Our hitters walk-ups are legendary. Bananas may be escorted to the plate by the Banana Pep Band, walk down the yellow carpet wearing the finest Dolce and Banana, or they may even introduce themselves," the Bananas said.
Scoring celebrations are a must.
You will see players wearing kilts and performing like it's a music video.
"From running through the crowd to performing fully choreographed country line dances. When we score, you never know what will happen next," the team said.
There's a cast of characters. Literally.
Owner Jesse Cole wears a yellow tuxedo. One player, Dakota “Stilts” Albritton, stands 10 feet tall. The Banana Nanas are a senior citizen dance team. There's a Dad Bod cheerleading squad. There's also the Banana Splitz, who are a youth dance team. Vincent Chapman is touted as "the world’s only dancing umpire." Maceo Harrison is a breakdancing coach. And there's also the Banana Baby — think "Lion King" with a baby being raised to the sky in a banana costume.