The best of the Savannah Bananas

Every summer, college baseball players from around the country take part in the Coastal Plain League, a wood bat league that allows them to showcase their skills to scouts and fans. The league consists of 15 teams across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, but one in particular has extended its reach beyond the region, turning itself into one of the most recognizable summer league teams in the country.

Meet the Savannah Bananas.

The Bananas have become a smash hit on social media with their on-field antics, from wearing kilts on the field to having a coaching staff that includes a luchador, a nine year old and a grandma to having players walk up to the batter’s box with a live band. Here are some of the most memorable moments from your favorite baseball team’s favorite baseball team.

Aug. 14: LeRoy calls his own play
After the Bananas mic’d up third baseman Bill LeRoy during their broadcast, Leroy decided to lay out how things were going to go during an at-bat in the third inning. First, the batter was going to roll over a ball to third, then Leroy would field it backhanded on the second hop and “Manny Machado underhand throw to first.” On the next pitch, he did exactly that. Those are some 80-grade psychic abilities. More >

Aug. 12: Par for the course
Shortstop Josh Lavender had some help walking up to the plate in the form of a golf caddy and even consulted him before stepping in the box. At first, they agreed that an iron would help them clear the fence, but after another look, Lavender decided it would be best to step in the box with a bat considering he had to hit a baseball.

Lavender’s double-play partner that night Dalton Mauldin also got some assistance heading to the plate, as a flower girl lined his path with daisies. There was no wedding in sight, but it didn’t matter to the Bananas.

July 26: A new definition for "mic'd up"
LeRoy needed no introduction from the PA announcer walking up to the plate. That’s because he did it himself, bringing a microphone to the batter’s box as he became his own hype man. More >

July 22: Jackson gets the band together
Outfielder Ty Jackson brought some friends with him to the plate prior to his third-inning at-bat, as a marching band provided his walk-up music. He made some noise himself soon after, lacing an RBI single.