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3d ago

Savannah Bananas Sell Out Rate Field With Celebrity-Studded Debut

Rapid-fire rules backed by a truTV/HBO Max broadcast turned the Chicago debut into proof of the franchise’s national reach

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Former White Sox players A.J. Pierzynski, left, and Mark Buehrle talk as Buehrle takes the mound to throw for the Savannah Bananas in the seventh inning against the Firefighters on Aug. 15, 2025, at Rate Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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September 4, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski (12) talks to starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (right) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Savannah Bananas’ Chicago debut at Rate Field drew a sellout crowd of about 40,000 fans.
  • Friday’s game was the first Banana Ball event to air on truTV and HBO Max under the TNT Sports deal, complementing live streams on YouTube.
  • Former White Sox stars Mark Buehrle and A.J. Pierzynski reunited on the field while Chance the Rapper delivered a surprise mid-game performance.
  • Banana Ball’s two-hour, points-based format kept play brisk and interactive, with fan-caught foul balls counting as outs and sprint-on-walks accelerating action.
  • Boasting a 3.6 million–person ticket waitlist and plans for a multi-team championship league in 2026, the Bananas are reshaping how baseball engages fans.