Savannah Bananas come to Tampa, bringing baseball antics this weekend

Like the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, the TikTok stars known as the Savannah Bananas baseball squad have two sold-out shows, or rather games, at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa this weekend.

Their special blend of “banana ball” has made them viral hits with choreographed dances, skits and added props. They also offer some fun twists on the rules of the game: There are no walks or bunts allowed, batters can steal first base and if a fan catches a foul ball it’s an out.

The Tampa stop is a part of the organization’s wildly popular Banana Ball World Tour of 33 cities.

“The response has been absolutely bananas for this world tour,” said owner Jesse Cole in a statement. “Everywhere we go we hear from fans begging us to come to their city. We are so grateful for their support and because of their passion for the Bananas.”

The group has more than 3.5 million followers on TikTok, and their first tour in 2022 was the subject of an ESPN documentary series called “Bananaland.”

They play at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, but their Tampa appearances have long been sold out.

Among their boasts:

• Players perform choreographed dances every game — Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Toby Keith. You name it, they’ve danced to it.

• They are the only baseball team to play in kilts.

• Bananas may be escorted to the plate by the Banana Pep Band, walk down the yellow carpet wearing the finest Dolce and Banana, or they may even introduce themselves.