Author: Dugout Tales

NorCal ⚾ lover covering the Pacific Coast League. Freelance by way of Sacramento. Sarcasm & unapologetic honest opinions. First book, "Let's Get it All" available now!
So You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance

So You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance

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The River Cats entered their series against Reno last week leading the Pacific Coast League (PCL) West, but were one game behind the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in the overall PCL standings. They started their series strong against the Aces but ended up losing the final three games of the series. While the Cats could and should have won two of those last three games, these losses now place them three games behind the Space Cowboys which makes this week’s upcoming series extremely crucial for each team as they each try to secure the first-half championship and a playoff berth in September.

The Space Cowboys have already clinched the Pacific Coast League East Division title but two teams stand in their way of winning the first-half championship; the Tacoma Rainiers and the Sacramento River Cats. The Rainiers will be eliminated from contention if they lose just one of their next six games. On the other hand, the River Cats have a real chance to not only play spoiler to the Space Cowboy’s hopes of a playoff berth, but also to claim the Pacific Coast League first-half championship for themselves.

The Space Cowboys enter the week with a record of 45-24, the second-best in all of Triple-A baseball, and have won 8 out of their last 10 games. It will be a challenging task for the 42-27 River Cats, but if they can win this next series by taking at least four of the six from Round Rock it will really be interesting what their fate holds for them.

I have said it all year, and I will say it again; there is something special about this team. Will the River Cats’ 25th anniversary produce another National Championship as it did five years ago? If the Cats can’t seal the deal this week all hope is not lost. The slate starts new for the teams in the PCL next week, and the Space Cowboys, or whoever wins the first half, will not play a part in who gets that second playoff berth. It’s a long season though so it’s best to get it out of the way now. Claws Up!

Here, Have a Banana!!

Here, Have a Banana!!

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I had plans to enjoy a slice of pizza in Boise last weekend, but life had other plans. With four days off work and nothing to do, I found myself unexpectedly diving into the world of the Savannah Bananas baseball team.

I’ve never been a fan of the Bananas, not understanding the hype or what draws fans to their sold-out games night after night. Although their viral TikTok clips caught my eye, the gimmicks seemed a bit over the top for my taste. Still, my lack of understanding was the driving force behind my desire to see them in action and discover what Banana Ball was all about.

In a moment of spontaneity, I reached out to the Bananas just days before their sold-out games in Sacramento to secure a media credential. The application process was simple, except for an odd request: “Tell us about the story you want to create. The crazier, the better.” I pushed through and explained that as a sociologist, I was intrigued by the hype and wanted to see if they could convert this old-school baseball fan into a Banana Ball enthusiast. Surprisingly, they approved my request within 24 hours.

I arrived at the stadium around 1:00 pm to watch the Bananas and their rival Party Animals rehearse for the game. As I observed the choreography and fielding tricks, I began to feel a bit annoyed at my decision to attend this and began wondering if I was in for a long day.

The gates were scheduled to open at 5:30 pm, with “VIBs” granted early access for a meet and greet at 4:45 pm. Fans still packed the gates hours ahead, eager to secure prime seating in this first come first served event.

The meet and greet was chaotic, but looking back reflected everything about the Bananas experience. The players interacted with fans, leaving lasting memories for everyone.

As the gates opened for the rest of the fans, the energy escalated and set the tone for the rest of the night as a wave of fans rushed to find the best seats that they could secure. I was dodging bodies left and right as I tried my best to capture the moment with my camera but ultimately surrendered to raising my hand up high and holding down the shutter release while hoping for the best.

Despite the madness, constantly shifting events and the sensory overload, I still won’t label myself a Bananas or Banana Ball fan. However, I did gain a newfound appreciation for Banana Ball and the excitement they bring to the game. The seamless production and non-stop engagement kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening, but I also found myself missing things on the other side of the field. Overall, I can only say that the night was nothing less than remarkable.

The Savannah Bananas truly offer an experience unlike any other in baseball. They push boundaries and create memories that captivates their fans from start to finish. While I may not fully embrace their shenanigans, such as “pitching” a ball with a hockey stick, an umpire who takes calling strike outs to the extreme, or all that dang dancing; I encourage those on the fence to experience this extravaganza at least once. Just remember, Banana Ball isn’t baseball, it’s a nightclub in a circus, disguised as a baseball game.