The Savannah Bananas, known for their entertaining and unconventional approach to baseball, are set to bring their unique brand of fun to Lincoln. Beyond the excitement of their games, the team is also providing job opportunities for local residents, offering a chance to be part of this extraordinary experience.
The Savannah Bananas’ Banana Ball games are not your typical baseball matches. Players engage in singing, dancingand trick playscreating a spectacle that goes beyond the sport itself. This weekend, Lincoln residents will have the opportunity to witness this entertainment firsthand at Haymarket Park and Memorial Stadium.
The Savannah Bananas’ unique approach to baseball
The Savannah Bananas have redefined baseball as a form of entertainment. Their games are a blend of sport and showmanshipwith players showcasing their talents both on the field and off. The team’s World Tour has drawn sellout crowds across the country, and Lincoln is the latest stop on their journey.
On Thursday, the team will play at Haymarket Parkfollowed by a sold-out game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Harper Mayfield, a World Tour staffing coordinator for Banana Ball, emphasized the team’s commitment to creating a new experience in every city they visit. “We’re creating a new experience every time we’re in a new city,” Mayfield said.
Job opportunities for Lincoln residents
The Savannah Bananas are looking to hire local workers to assist with their games in Lincoln. The team is seeking individuals to man merchandise tableshandle ticketingand support logistics on game day. Applications are already open, and the process is straightforward.
“Beyond some paperwork, there’s not much you have to do before the game,” Mayfield explained. “When they arrive on site is when we do the training for either merchandise or ticketing. It’s really simple training, which is nice.” Workers will be paid $15 an hourand there are opportunities for people with other commitments.
The organization is looking to hire an additional 30 workers for the game on Thursday and 100 people for the Memorial Stadium game on Saturday. Mayfield highlighted the benefits of these job opportunities, noting that the event generates money for the cityincluding local restaurants and hotels. “It creates new work experiences for people and things they can add to their resume,” Mayfield said.
Jonah Manuel’s journey to Banana Ball
While the Savannah Bananas are bringing entertainment and job opportunities to Lincoln, they are also providing a platform for aspiring players. Jonah Manuel, an Opelousas nativehas been invited to participate in a Banana Ball tryout this fall. Manuel’s journey to this opportunity is a testament to his passion for baseball and the unique appeal of Banana Ball.
Manuel’s connection to the opportunity dates back several years when a former trainer mentioned a Banana Ball tryout. After years of encouragement from friends and family, he recently submitted an application and a personality-focused video before receiving an invitation. Unlike traditional baseball tryouts, Banana Ball evaluations focus on more than just athletic ability.
Participants are expected to showcase energy, dance routinesand entertainment skills alongside their baseball talents. The tryout will include choreographed dancesbatting practice, and defensive drills where players can display trick plays and creativity. “I’m going to try and land a couple of backflip catches if I get the chance,” Manuel said.
For Manuel, the appeal of Banana Ball extends beyond simply returning to the diamond. He believes the format aligns with his personality and his original love for the game. “We played this game because we love it,” Manuel said. “Somewhere along the line, baseball stopped letting players show that. In Banana Ball, you can show emotion, be yourself and have fun. That’s what drew me to it.”
