Savannah Bananas' Selling Strategies
Promotional Pitch
Hey there! Have you heard about THE Savannah Bananas? They are entirely a new level of excitement for everyone, as the Bananas are not your typical Major League Baseball squad! Close your eyes & think of this, a world in which pure enjoyment, entertainment & baseball exist as one! That existence is what the Savannah Bananas thrive on! At every game, they provide a lively, family-friendly performance that is full of incredible plays, wild antics, & infectious energy that gets everyone up & dancing! A player once did a flip & caught the ball, it was fantastic! The Bananas transform every arena into a party, whether they are improving or lighting up stadiums with their Banana World Tour (such as performing at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). It is more than just a game; it is a memorable experience that will make you happy beyond words!
The Bananas’ vision is “Fans First. Entertain Always.” It is what sets us apart from other teams & leagues. The Bananas want to revive baseball’s appeal & generate lifelong memories. We are all about prioritizing the needs of fans & making sure that everyone, from passionate baseball fans to those who never attended a game, have a fantastic time. Close your eyes & think of you surrounded by your friends & family, laughing, cheering & being part of something truly great. In addition to selling tickets, the Bananas are providing an opportunity to become a part of a community & an event that you will talk about for years to come! Visit Savannah, Georgia’s Bananaland, Grayson Stadium to take in all the incredible experiences & memories you make!
“Fans First. Entertain Always.”- The Savannah Bananas Mission Statement
Introduction to Targeted Prospects
The Bananas have a specific targeted prospect group that will be addressed in the next few pages. Each prospect group will have three key selling points that we will present to them showcasing the Savannah Bananas are for them with backed up research, three key objections the may raise within the discovery call, along with a rationale for believing the prospect would raise each of them & two follow-up questions we would ask the prospect to gather more information, & two points I would make to help overcome each objection.
The targeted prospects consist of
A middle-aged couple who have been lifelong traditional baseball fans
Young family of four, two children aged 10 and 12.
Single 25-year-old, established career and income, looking for a weekend event with their close group of friends.
These prospects will be addressed within the next few pages, as the Bananas consider these prospects to be very important to have at our games, along with having a pleasant, positive experience. To ensure this, the Bananas are committed to providing exceptional service, maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, & continually seeking ways to enhance the overall game day experience. This includes everything from improving stadium amenities to expanding entertainment options, all aimed at creating unforgettable memories for our fans.
Prospect One
Middle-Aged Couple Who Have Been Lifelong Traditional Baseball Fans
The three key selling points we will present to them to showcase the Savannah Bananas are for them
The Savannah Bananas are still real baseball; it is just faster & more entertaining. Baseball games can go on for hours, which can bore fans. Even with the pitch clock & mound visits changing in 2024, people still find that baseball is a slow sport to watch. The Savannah Bananas play “Banana Ball’ which keeps the fundamentals of traditional baseball but speeds up the pace & removes dead time. Games are competitive, with talented players (pro or college level). Banana Ball follows 11 rules; there is a two-hour time limit, if a hitter steps out of the box, it is a strike, no mound visits allowed & if a fan catches a foul ball, it is an out.
The Bananas recapture baseball’s old school spirit as the Bananas prioritize fan experience & family-friendly fun, just like Minor League Games used to feel decades ago. Minor League Baseball can connect urban & rural lived experiences. Minor League Baseball was also essential to the development of the local economies in small towns in North America throughout the 20th century and continues to be important today. Minor League baseball brought people together as it involved strong local ties, nostalgic music, retro uniforms & many more nostalgic moments that bring fans & family together. The Bananas bring the music, dancing, giveaways & crowd involvement, but it is all built around the love of the game. The Bananas even played in Klits, which was considered a huge part of Ontario Catholic Secondary School’s uniforms back in the 80s to 90s. This can definitely bring a nostalgic factor for the middle-aged couple, especially if they did go to an Ontario Catholic Secondary School.
The Bananas have some serious talent on the field, as this is not just some type of backyard ball. Many of the Bananas players are former MLB prospects, college stars or Minor League veterans. An example of this is starting pitcher Ryan Kellogg, who was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB draft, but he did not sign. Later in 2015, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2015 draft & signed with them. But he spent most of his career in the Minor Leagues & was later released in 2021. There have also been a few Savannah Bananas players who were drafted to the MLB, including Rylan Bannon, drafted in 2017 in the eighth round by the Dodgers & Joe Miller, drafted in 2022 in the 11th round by the Tigers. The games are competitive & the talent is real.
Three key objections that they may raise in the discovery call, along with a rationale for believing the prospect would raise each of them, are
This is not real baseball; it is a gimmick.” • As lifelong fans, they value the morals of the game, such as the rules, history & strategy. Anything that looks like it is mocking or changing that could feel disrespectful or inauthentic to them. The sight of dancing players, TikTok trends, or anything that is not usually seen in the game of baseball might reinforce that perception.
“It is targeted more towards kids or casual fans, not serious baseball fans.” • This couple likely has been fans of baseball since they were children & eventually grew into the love & commitment for the sport. Meaning within those decades, they have probably spent it going to MLB games, tracking stats, discussing trades & following the sport deeply. The Bananas’ entertainment-first branding could make the couple assume that the Bananas are child & casual fans focused, not something for “serious” fans like themselves.
“It is too fast to follow along." • This may come from the fact that the couple are lifelong fans who may appreciate the slower, strategic pace of the classic game. They may also worry that the fast pace of Banana Ball removes the thoughtful rhythm they love, such as pitcher-batter duels, in-game adjustments or moments to analyze plays. They may have also seen short clips online, which can make the game appear chaotic or hard to follow.
The two follow-up questions we would ask the prospect to gather more information & two points we would make to help overcome each objective are
“This is not real baseball; it is a gimmick.” • “What does ‘real’ baseball mean to you? Is it the rules, atmosphere or level of play that matters most?” • “Have you had a chance to watch a full Savannah Bananas game or highlights online?” • Point one, the fundamentals are still there. Even though the Bananas play a different style of game, Banana Ball still focuses on real pitching, hitting, fielding & athleticism. Many players are former college or pro athletes. It is not a parody, it is a twist on tradition. • Point two, it is innovation rooted in love for the game. Jesse Cole, the team’s founder, is a lifelong baseball fan himself who created Banana Ball to make the game more accessible & engaging for all generations without sacrificing the sport’s morals.
“It is targeted more towards kids or casual fans, not serious baseball fans.” • “What specifics make the Savannah Bananas more targeted towards kids & casual fans & less targeted towards the serious baseball fans?” • “Do you have younger family members who try to stay engaged with baseball but find it too long?” • Point one, even diehard baseball fans are turning into fans & many lifelong fans have been skeptical at first but then were surprised by how competitive & entertaining the games are, without losing respect for the sport. • Point two, the Bananas are influencing MLB-level changes. MLB is adopting faster formats, such as the pitch clock & limited mound visits, moves the Bananas pioneered. They are helping baseball evolve, not weaken it.
“It is too fast to follow along." • “Are there certain parts of the traditional game you enjoy most? Like pitcher-batter duels, infield shifts or base running, do you feel that you get lost at a faster pace?” • “When you watch a traditional game, do you find yourself enjoying the slower moments or do you sometimes tune out between plays or innings?” • Point one, the fast pace brings more clarity, not less. The Banana Ball rules are designed to keep the game moving & remove downtime, not meaningful action. There is no stepping out of the box, no mound visits, etc., so fans stay engaged without losing track of what is happening. • Point two, you can follow it better because it moves. Many fans have said that they were surprised by how easy & enjoyable it was to follow the Banana Ball game. With a two-hour time cap & focused action, it keeps you involved without dragging on; you can actually stay with the game instead of zoning out.
Prospect Two
Young Family of Four, Two Children Aged 10 & 12
The three key selling points we will present to them to showcase the Savannah Bananas are for them
It is an energetic, family-friendly entertainment that is not just focused on baseball. Savannah Bananas has implemented Banana Ball to be fast-paced, fun & full of surprises, such as choreographed dances, comedic antics, quirky rules & fan interaction are built into the show. They emphasize a “fans first” mentality, prioritizing the experience over traditional baseball norms. The appeal spans ages: parents, tweens & even grandparents can enjoy the spectacle together. The kids will get energized by the entertainment the Bananas bring, while the parents will appreciate the sport & show hybrid that does not require deep knowledge of baseball.
All-inclusive & value for the family. At their home field, the Savannah Bananas offer all-you-can-eat tickets, which include unlimited hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, popcorn & soda as part of the game experience. Another is the “Ad-Free ballpark,” meaning there are no in-game advertising interruptions that keep the experience immersive & family-friendly. They also frequently pair games with theme nights, pre-game festivities & interactive plazas where families can arrive early, see players, enjoy entertainment, etc. With two kids, cost & budget matter. If food is included & the experience is richer than a standard sporting event, the family perceives more value. Also, being able to arrive early & partake in surrounding entertainment gives more time together, not just nine innings.
Savannah Bananas players are positive, visible role models who inspire kids through action & character. This could be direct interaction & mentorship as players regularly coach youth camps & engage with kids at games, not just with autographs, but through conversation, teaching & playful interaction, as this creates real, memorable moments where kids connect with someone they look up to. Another one is strong values & character as many players speak openly about their values, including faith, perseverance, teamwork & humility. One more thing is authenticity over ego. These players are not chasing MLB contracts; they are chasing impact. Some players turned down other opportunities to play in an environment where they connect, inspire & be themselves. Which helps kids learn that being kind & genuine is as important as being skilled.
Three key objections that they may raise in the discovery call, along with a rationale for believing the prospect would raise each of them, are
“Is this just a regular baseball game? Will my kids get bored?” • Baseball is viewed by many families as a traditional, boring activity that can drag on for hours & may not be engaging for children, tweens, & teens. Specifically, these parents are concerned that their children, who are ten & 12, will not be engaged for the entire game. Baseball is frequently regarded as “boring”, particularly by families & non-fans who are used to fast-paced entertainment such as video games or other sports such as hockey. They want proof that the Bananas are not like the others.
“How much will this cost? Is it worth the price for the whole family?” • Budgets are generally tight when it comes to families with children & teens. They want to ensure that the food, entertainment, & overall experience are all reasonably priced & that they have cost-effective value. When there are four people, entertainment prices hike up quickly & because of that, they want to know if this experience will be considered a wise investment or a waste of money.
“Are the players & the environment safe & family appropriate?” • Parents desire a secure, positive environment where their children can feel inspired & at ease. They may be cautious of wild crowds, offensive language, or anything that could unnerve them or their kids. Parents prioritize safety & values. Knowing that the Savannah Bananas combines entertainment with sports, parents might want to know exactly what behaviour or environment to anticipate.
The two follow-up questions we would ask the prospect to gather more information & two points we would make to help overcome each objective are
“Is this just a regular baseball game? Will my kids get bored?” • “Have your kids ever been to a sporting event before? What did they enjoy or not enjoy about it?” • “When your family goes out together, what kinds of experiences keep everyone engaged, especially the kids?” • Point one, Banana Ball is specifically designed to eliminate boring moments as games are two hours max, with non-stop entertainment including dancing players, mid-game stunts & fan interaction. It is baseball, comedy & circus. • Point two, from dancing players on the field to collecting bananas thrown into the audience, children are actively involved at Savannah Bananas games. The purpose of these entertainment antics is to include them in the enjoyment rather than only observing them from a distance.
How much will this cost? Is it worth the price for the whole family?” • “When you are planning a family night out, what is your usual budget for tickets, food & entertainment for your family?” • “Do you typically look for all-inclusive experiences, or do you prefer customizing things like meals, travelling coverage, etc?” • Point one, at home games in Savannah, the family ticket combos include all-you-can-eat food & drinks, which adds value especially for a family of four. No surprise costs at the concession stands. • Point two, compared to concerts, theme parks or even MLB games, the Bananas offer multiple hours of entertainment for a flat price with far more audience engagement & fun for all ages. Merchandise is not that expensive for the kids either, as youth & adult shirts range from $36 - $48 CAD, meanwhile concert shirts for youth & adults range around $50 - $80 CAD.
“Are the players & the environment safe & family appropriate?” • “What matters most to your family when bringing them to a public event?” • “Have you had a negative experience at a family event that you want to avoid here?”• Point one, the Bananas are extremely family-focused as no inappropriate content, which can be a reason as to why no in-game advertising is allowed, & a “Fans First” mission built on positivity, joy, & inclusion. • Point two, players are trained to be positive role models, they assist the community, run kids clinics, & are renowned for their character & kindness rather than mainly their performance. Parents frequently comment on how welcome, safe & enjoyable the atmosphere is for everyone.
Prospect Three
Single 25-year-old, Established Career & Income, Looking For a Weekend Event with Their Close Group of Friends
The three key selling points we will present to them to showcase the Savannah Bananas are for them
Energy, originality & a unique experience. The Savannah Bananas are not your average baseball game as Banana Ball has amusing, unique regulations such as the two-hour time limit, no mound visits, etc. that keep things moving quickly & the atmosphere lively. It includes a wide variety of entertainment such as dancing performers, humorous & social media friendly moments, outrageous antics & as well as viral moments that will make your jaw drop. It is designed to produce those kinds of unforgettable stories & images for someone who wants to try something new with friends. It is appealing at 25 because a lot of individuals want to make the most out of their lives at that young age. People in their twenties want to create moments that can be shared on social media or even print these images out & have them in a memory book to show that they are having a great time with their lives. They want to be able to look back on these moments & think “wow, I had a lot of fun in my twenties.” Banana Ball also brings a change of pace to the game, which creates excitement, surprise & originality.
Excellent VIP, Premium & social options. There are packages for VIPs & meet-&-greets. For example, the Banana Ball tour offers premium or VIB (Very Important Banana) tickets in numerous cities, including St. Louis, Cincinnati, & many more. There are also extra benefits for the Bananas’ K Club, which include early ticket access, exclusive merchandise drops, events & premium experiences. These prospects may do more than just sit in the stands with these options if you are searching for more premium group outings. It is appealing because many people want to treat themselves when they go out with friends. Things such as VIP access, better seats, a more private atmosphere, & shared premium experiences make the event feel more like an “occasion.”
Buzz, social relevance & cultural appeal. Several times, the Bananas have gone viral. They have a large social media following & the content, rather than merely the sport, is what attracts many followers. Large tour stops & stadium performances (ex., Bank of America in Charlotte, which sold out quickly) provide a festival-like atmosphere that is more than just a small game. It is appealing because social media, peer group influences, & being “in the room where it happens” seem to matter at this time of life. The value is increased by doing something that “everyone is buzzing about.” It would be such a great opportunity to show off through pictures or videos that these prospects went to a high-level, trending on social media event & they are the ones who get to say “I was there.”
Three key objections that they may raise in the discovery call, along with a rationale for believing the prospect would raise each of them, are
“The games do not align with some of our schedules.”• Young professionals frequently balance demanding work weeks, weekend trips, exercise schedules, & social obligations. They could feel that planning a group outing is too much work if the game is not on a convenient night (like Friday or Saturday) or if they learn about the dates late.
“Some of us are too far away from the stadium.”• Transportation is a frequent source of conflict, particularly in urban areas with constrained parking, traffic & public transportation options. They might be concerned that the commute will ruin their evening or cause additional burdens if the stadium is more than 45 minutes away. They are also a group of friends, so there may be some of them that are not local & will be forced to travel a bit of a distance to attend games with their other friends.
“We are really not baseball fans.”• People in their twenties tend to enjoy quick, lively & innovative entertainment, as baseball may seem slow or uninteresting to them. They could question whether the event is worth their time if they believe it is more focused on the sport itself.
The two follow-up questions we would ask the prospect to gather more information & two points we would make to help overcome each objective are
“The games do not align with some of our schedules.”• “When organizing weekend plans or a night out, which days of the week typically work best for your group?”• “Do you prefer to have something exciting on the calendar to look forward to, or do you usually book events at the last minute?”• Point one, games are time-limited & fast-paced, tailored to your evening. Since Banana Ball games only last two hours, you can spend the entire evening playing or even go out afterwards. It is an occasion that honours your time.• Point two, it is easy to plan ahead. The Bananas are perfect for groups who prefer to make plans ahead of time & centre their entire evening around the game, dinner, & beverages because they release their tour dates early & sell out quickly.
“Some of us are too far away from the stadium.”• “When organizing a night out, how far is too far for you & your friends? Is parking or travel the main problem?”• “Have you ever travelled further for something truly unique or different, such as a festival or concert?”• Point one, it is a destination experience rather than only a game. Banana fans refer to it as a “concert meets baseball!”, “mini-festival!” & even a “comedy show!” The drive is worth it for a unique occasion. These types of teams do not exist often within sports & it can definitely change an opinion about sports, baseball & even how baseball/sports games are!• Point Two, ideal situations for a get-together: carpool, tailgate, or spend the entire evening there. When it is organized as a social event, such as dinner before or after, cocktails after, or creating memories while travelling, the distance becomes part of the enjoyment.
“We are really not baseball fans.”• “What kind of events do you typically attend with friends? Do you prefer social nightlife, comedy, or live music?”• Are you trying to find something exciting & different to do this weekend?”• Point one, this is about enjoyment that will last a lifetime, not baseball. Banana Ball combines elements of a social spectacle, a viral comedy performance & sports, including breakdancing umpires & trick plays.• Point two, it is that popular even among non-sports fans. Fans claim that they came for the excitement & left wanting more in reviews & media coverage. It is ideal for gatherings that wish to celebrate, laugh & try something completely new for the weekend or night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by addressing these prospects & targeting them based on three main factors, they will be more intrigued in attending a Savannah Bananas baseball game. There are three different main factors for each prospect, as we believe that the Savannah Bananas should be a unique experience for every single fan, along with their wants, needs & goals. The Bananas want every fan to come in & out wanting more from the experience.
Along with addressing their objections, we believe that their objections are truly reasonable towards themselves & should be addressed with proper attention to detail & care. We want these fans to attend the Savannah Bananas games. Whether that is globally or here in Savannah, Georgia. We believe that their attendance is very important to us & we want to make that known to them. We are a fan-first organization, meaning whatever objective or difficulty a fan is having with the Bananas, we want to address it & find a solution where both parties are satisfied. Furthermore, this is why we will ask fans questions regarding their objections & point out why we asked these questions to them. It is important to us to understand why fans would have these objections regarding the stadium, team, etc. & to do so, we must ask questions as to why they have certain objections, so we can develop a better understanding of how to counter their objections & make it easier for them. We understand things such as pricing & transportation can be a bit of an issue depending on the fan & we will be more than happy to figure out a way where the fans are satisfied with those issues.
We hope that these fans find these key factors, questions & points regarding their objections to be informative & to potentially gain interest in attending Savannah Bananas games in the near future.
“Fans First. Entertain Always.”- The Savannah Bananas Mission Statement
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