Welcome to the wild world of Banana Ball, baseball’s biggest party. Imagine a game where players dance between innings and catch fly balls in their hats. That’s the reality of the Savannah Bananas and their rivals, the Party Animals. This baseball circus packs major league stadiums and is an international sensation. One of their stars is Tanner Thomas, a former outfielder at Virginia Tech. He went undrafted by MLB but found his true calling with the Party Animals. And now he has a grand idea for baseball’s next big crossover.

Tanner Thomas recently made an offer. He wants a certain MLB superstar to play with his squad. While working a shift at Raising Cane’s, Thomas asked Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman, Bryce Harper, to join the fun. He believes the two-time MVP would be a perfect fit for his team.

But what makes Harper a perfect fit for the Party Animals? The reason is refreshingly simple and hilarious. Thomas didn’t mention stats or awards. He focused on Harper’s style and on-field vibe. “He just seems like he’s got the mullet, the facial hair, hits bombs,” he explained. “That’s definitely a Party Animal.” So, the Banana Ball philosophy is not just about how you play. It’s about the energy you bring.

Surprisingly, the feeling is mutual. Harper himself is a fan of the baseball entertainers and appreciates their brand. “I like all the Savannah Bananas stuff too; that stuff’s really cool,” he previously said.

Harper even suggested a brilliant idea for a future collaboration during MLB’s All-Star Week: ” I think it’d be really cool if the Savannah Bananas, instead of doing like the celebrity game, they did like, you know how they do the game in Cooperstown? With all the players… I think if they got like guys that were like two or three years out of the game and they played them against the Savannah Bananas instead of the celebrity game and like sold this place out, ’cause the Savannah Bananas, they sell out everywhere.” 

But what, exactly, can MLB learn from Banana Ball? Their fan-first philosophy. Thomas reckons MLB can learn a lesson from that. “That’s your biggest supporters,” he said. “Go sign… interact. Go take pictures. I think that’s the number one answer to one, get more people to come to their game, and two, just to build a bigger brand.” It’s the only formula The Banana Ballers rely on.

So, you’re saying there’s a chance?

It may be wishful thinking that a star like Bryce Harper lands with the Party Animals, but is it totally out of question? A couple of former MLB stars have already played in Banana Ball games.

Former two-time World Series champion Johnny Damon, for example, has made multiple appearances in Banana Ball. One of his most notable appearances came as a surprise at Boston’s Fenway Park, where he emerged from the dugout in a Savannah Bananas uniform to a roaring crowd. Damon, who played for the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2005, also played in an exhibition game in Daytona Beach in February 2023 and was seen dancing at the plate and even hitting a walk-off for the team.

Three-time MLB All-Star Curtis Granderson has also been involved with Banana Ball, though primarily in a managerial role rather than as a player. He managed a team of former big leaguers from the MLB Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) in games against the Savannah Bananas. During one game, Granderson dressed in a powder blue suit and mimicked the signature yellow tuxedo of Bananas owner Jesse Cole. He also participated in the on-field theatrics, at one point successfully challenging an umpire’s call.

But, there’s one key obstacle to Harper’s tie-up with Banana Ball. His MLB season coincides with The Party Animals’ season. That makes an immediate collaboration something that is a little tricky. The Phillies want their $330 million superstar focused on winning games. So, while the invitation is out there, fans might have to wait a while, and Thomas will most likely have to be patient to make his dream a reality.