Heartfelt Generosity From the World of Banana Ball: Savannah Bananas Owner Jesse Cole, Known Globally for His Iconic Yellow Tuxedo and His Commitment to Making Baseball Fun Again, Officially Announces a Monumental $3.5 Million Sponsorship and Donation Package to Support Local Orphanages, Marking a Historic First for the Team and Setting a New Standard for Community-Driven Sports Leadership
In a powerful gesture that highlights the Savannah Bananas’ commitment not only to entertainment but also to community upliftment, team owner Jesse Cole has announced a $3.5 million sponsorship and donation initiative dedicated to supporting orphanages in and around Savannah, Georgia. The move has been hailed as one of the most significant charitable contributions in the team’s history, reinforcing Cole’s reputation as a leader who values people as much as performance.
The announcement was made during a special press event held at Grayson Stadium, where Cole, dressed in his trademark bright yellow tuxedo, addressed a crowd of reporters, players, and local families. “The Bananas have always been about joy, love, and community,” Cole said. “Baseball is our stage, but people — especially kids — are our heart. With this $3.5 million sponsorship, we want to ensure that children who have faced hardship know they are seen, supported, and celebrated.”
The funds will go toward improving living conditions in orphanages, creating education and sports programs, and providing resources for mental health and mentorship. According to Cole, a portion will also be dedicated to setting up regular “Banana Days,” where children from orphanages will be brought to games, given VIP treatment, and have the chance to meet players.
Fans and community leaders reacted with overwhelming positivity. Local councilwoman Teresa Barnes praised the move: “What Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas are doing goes far beyond baseball. They’re investing in the lives of children who deserve every opportunity to thrive. This sets a precedent not just for sports teams in Georgia but nationwide.”
Players also shared their excitement about the initiative. Pitcher Kyle Luigs, a Bananas fan favorite, posted on social media: “This is why I love this team. It’s not just about the game — it’s about the people. Can’t wait to meet some of these kids and show them what Banana Ball is all about.”
The Bananas’ decision reflects their growing national influence as more than just a baseball team. From their sold-out national tours to appearances in major media outlets, the team has been redefining what sports entertainment can be. Now, with this philanthropic step, they’re proving that their impact extends far beyond the ballpark.
Community members are already calling the initiative a legacy-defining act. For Jesse Cole, however, the focus remains simple: “If even one child feels loved, valued, and inspired because of this, then every penny is worth it.”
The $3.5 million sponsorship cements the Savannah Bananas not only as entertainers but as true community builders, blending joy, sport, and compassion in a way that’s entirely their own.
