The First of Its Kind: Savannah Bananas Honor Their Visionary Leader as a Stunning Statue of Team Owner Jesse Cole, Clad in His Iconic Yellow Tuxedo, Is Officially Unveiled at the Entrance of the Bananas’ Stadium — A Tribute That Immortalizes His Legacy of Innovation, Entertainment, and the Transformation of Baseball Culture Forever
In a historic and emotional moment for Savannah and baseball fans everywhere, the Savannah Bananas have unveiled the first statue in the team’s history — a larger-than-life tribute to their beloved owner, Jesse Cole. Positioned proudly at the front of the Bananas’ stadium, the statue captures Cole in his signature bright yellow tuxedo, the outfit that has become synonymous with his bold vision and the team’s fun-first philosophy.
The unveiling ceremony drew a massive crowd of fans, players, and community leaders. Many carried yellow hats, banana costumes, and signs celebrating the man who turned a small Coastal Plain League team into a national cultural phenomenon. The statue stands as not just a monument to Cole, but also as a symbol of the team’s unique approach to baseball — an approach that blends athleticism, comedy, and entertainment in ways no one imagined possible.
Cole, visibly moved during the event, dedicated the honor to the fans, players, and his family. “This statue isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about every fan who believed in the Bananas, every player who danced, pitched, and performed, and every person who dared to believe that baseball could be fun again. This is our legacy.”
The statue depicts Jesse Cole raising his top hat high in the air, as if inviting fans to join the celebration. Surrounding the base are engraved words that define the Bananas’ philosophy: Joy, Fun, Innovation, Community. Alongside him, the design includes sculpted figures of his family, reflecting the deep role they have played in supporting the Bananas’ journey.
Fans erupted with applause as the cloth was pulled away to reveal the monument, with many describing the moment as “goosebumps-inducing.” Longtime supporter Marie Johnson said, “Every time I walk into the stadium now, I’ll be reminded of why we love this team — because Jesse made baseball more than a game. He made it a family.”
The statue unveiling comes as the Bananas continue to grow their national presence, touring stadiums across the country and selling out nearly every venue. It represents not only the past and present success of the team but also their vision for the future — one that continues to honor the core value of making fans smile.
As the sun set on the ceremony, Cole’s yellow-suited likeness stood tall at the stadium gates, a permanent reminder of how one man’s dream reshaped America’s pastime.
