Biggest Little Party

For three nights in a row, Greater Nevada Field was sold out over Banana Ball.

The Party Animals and Texas Tailgaters brought their own brand of baseball and energy to Reno last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

It’s baseball with more flair, unique rules and dance parties — all with the idea of keeping fans fully immersed in the show.

Banana Ball is hard to look away from as outfielders make backflip catches and infielders showcase their basketball skills with between-the-leg crossover moves before firing to first.

Texas Tailgater Jon Reid grew up in Southern California, but got a chance to play in front of some of his family in Reno over the three-game slate.

“It was awesome. Just seeing them in the stands, yesterday and today. I got a couple people in. It's pretty cool, just a full-circle moment. Coming here when I was 10 years old and now people are paying to come see us play, so it's awesome,” said Reid. “Every summer, I begged my parents to come to an Aces game. It was cool coming back here and being on this side of the field.”

A few local umpires even got in on the action, getting an up-close view of the party while showcasing some “improvisational” dance moves.

(A local youth rounds the bases at Greater Nevada Field during a promotional event. Carter Eckl / Nevada Appeal)

THE BANANA BALL BRAND

As a variant of independent ball, players have a path to Banana Ball that is about as straight a line as an actual banana.

Party Animal closer Drew Gillespie is from Albuquerque, but was playing baseball in Australia when he got a call from a coach asking for a tryout.

“They said they needed some extra arms to finish out the tour,” said Gillespie. “I said I was down, came out to Savannah, tried out, fell in love with Banana Ball and then just been bought in ever since.”

Gillespie played five years of collegiate baseball, split between New Mexico and Southeastern (NAIA) before pitching across the Pacific Ocean.

The buy-in for Gillespie and Reid comes from the fan experience.

“The player interaction is that barrier that we've broken down from player to fan. Like, we get to interact with everyone. We're going to go party with everyone for 45 (minutes) to an hour after this,” said Gillespie. “It's just special to get to interact with the people that support you the most.”

Autograph sessions are carried on mid-game when players can get away with it. Promotional events featuring fans and children in the stands are happening on field multiple times per outing.

Players open half innings with songs and dance routines that occasionally make you forget you’re watching a competitive sport.

Reid said the most enjoyable aspect for him comes from putting on a show.

“I think, honestly, my favorite aspect of Banana Ball is just the togetherness of how the two teams are competing on the field, but all we're trying to do is put a good product on the field for the fans, and that's all that matters,” Reid said.

The light-hearted features throughout the game take some of the edge off from trying to make a highlight reel play every time they field a grounder.

“The best show is to play our best baseball as well,” said Gillespie. “I think a lot of the guys around here figured out that this is the best arena to do that because there's not too much pressure if you fail.”

The Savannah Bananas — the first team to play Banana Ball — are selling out MLB stadiums due to their ever-increasing popularity.

The Texas Tailgaters went from Reno to Cincinnati to play in their first MLB venue (Great American Ballpark) as the newest team in the four-team Banana Ball circuit.

It may not be everyone’s brand of baseball, but Banana Ball has caught the attention of the nation.

A three-night sellout in Reno goes to show that Northern Nevada might also be hooked on the party.

(A look at the sold-out crowd Saturday evening at Greater Nevada Field during Banana Ball between the Party Animals and the Texas Tailgaters. Carter Eckl / Nevada Appeal)