Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball to Chicago with two sold-out games at Rate Field
The Savannah Bananas, the unconventional baseball team whose Banana Ball spectacle has become a nationwide sensation, will play two sold-out games in Chicago this weekend at Rate Field as part of their 2025 world tour. The team meets the Firefighters on Friday night, with a second game set for Saturday.
Banana Ball is built to speed up the pace and boost fan engagement. The format features 11 rules designed to keep games moving and fans involved. Highlights include: stepping out of the batter’s box results in a strike; bunt attempts can lead to ejection; mound visits are not allowed; each inning is treated as its own micro-game and games run in about two hours. Fans can challenge calls and can record an out by catching foul balls. Instead of a traditional walk, batters sprint around the bases on a fourth ball and keep advancing until the defense gathers the ball. If a passed ball or wild pitch happens, batters can “steal first.” In lieu of extra innings, there’s a one-on-one showdown with the field emptied except for one fielder, the pitcher, and the catcher, where the batter attempts an inside-the-park home run once the ball is in play. A recent addition, the “golden batter,” allows each team one opportunity to deploy any hitter from anywhere in the lineup.
The Banana Ball concept is designed to quicken pace and keep fans engaged throughout the game, a philosophy that has helped the team cultivate a national following and earn frequent comparisons to entertainment-driven sports shows. The Bananas perform year-round with their affiliated teams, expanding a touring schedule that has brought the spectacle to major markets across the country.
For fans in Chicago, the weekend games at Rate Field offer a rare blend of competitive baseball and interactive entertainment, emblematic of the Bananas’ ongoing effort to redefine the sports experience. The two-game stop in Chicago underscores the team’s growing footprint as they continue to tour in 2025.
Summary: The Savannah Bananas are back on the road with two sold-out Banana Ball games in Chicago, showcasing a fast-paced, rule-driven style that blends sport with spectacle and community involvement. The weekend appearance at Rate Field highlights the team’s innovative approach to entertaining fans while expanding their nationwide reach. Positive takeaway: fans get a one-of-a-kind baseball experience that emphasizes pace, participation, and showmanship.