The Savannah Bananas delivered an unforgettable present Saturday evening at Residents Financial institution Park, taking part in in entrance of a sold-out crowd that erupted in applause for Shane Victorino. As a part of their Banana Ball World Tour, the workforce introduced their signature mix of baseball and leisure to Philadelphia, performing in entrance of greater than 45,000 followers.
Well-known for mixing the sport with music, choreography, acrobatics, and interplay, the Bananas competed with the Texas Tailgaters that evening. The followers had been on their ft early, taking within the present.
“It is electrical, I imply, the way in which all people got here out, we’re having a blast, the youngsters are simply over the moon, they acquired autographs, what an evening, what an evening, who was along with his household,” Sean Zaks advised CBS Information.
The evening’s most emotional second got here with a particular visitor look by Shane Victorino. After reaching first base, the previous Phillies outfielder and 2008 World Collection champion donned the Bananas’ yellow uniform and earned a standing ovation.
“I acquired to play in some nice cities; Boston was an awesome one, however nothing like Philadelphia. When this place will get going, it is a fairly thrilling place,” Victorino mentioned, clearly touched by the house crowd’s response.
The tribute did not finish there. The group cheered whereas the umpire took a selfie with him, and the Tailgaters’ catcher welcomed him with an enormous hug – moments that captured the spectacle and fan appreciation which can be a part of Banana Ball.
The workforce’s accessible and interesting format has made them a viral sensation, with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media and a popularity for being “The Best Present in Sports activities.”
The night additionally had a particular native contact. Joe Sperone, a 23-year-old pitcher from Broomall, took the Tailgaters’ mound within the sixth inning whereas his father watched from the stands.
“We have been to many Phillies video games, Eagles video games, Flyers video games, Sixers video games, however that is his dream to maintain taking part in baseball, and we help his dream 100%,” John Sperone mentioned, proud to see his son pitch in entrance of a packed stadium of their hometown.
After the Bananas’ 5–1 win, followers loved a postgame block celebration and met among the gamers. The workforce will play once more on the ballpark on Sunday in entrance of one other sellout crowd.