Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

Covering the Savannah Bananas game at Progressive Field in Cleveland was an unforgettable experience that I will treasure forever. As a long-time fan of the team and someone who grew up attending countless Cleveland Guardians games at this very stadium, the chance to see the Savannah Bananas play at their fourth MLB stadium with a sold-out crowd of 35,000 people was a dream come true. Witnessing the Bananas perform at a place that holds so many personal memories added a profound layer of excitement to the evening.

The evening began with a buzz of anticipation in the packed plaza outside the stadium. Upon entering, fans were greeted by staff dressed in banana costumes, bringing smiles to faces even before they stepped inside. Enthusiastic fans, decked out in Savannah Bananas gear and carrying homemade signs, eagerly awaited the gate opening. The excitement was amplified by a lively party hosted in the plaza, featuring performances by The Young Professor and Princess Potassia. Fans had the chance to showcase their unique outfits on stage, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. As the gates neared opening, fans were treated to a special appearance by the team, who waved from above in the stadium, further energizing the crowd and building anticipation for the game.

As the gates opened, I had the privilege of witnessing the spectacle unfold from the field—a perspective I hadn’t experienced before, given my usual focus on concert photography. Before the gates opened, the VIB event offered fans an incredibly special experience, providing them with the rare opportunity to meet all the players up close. Fans eagerly got posters and merch signed and even had the chance to sign some of the players’ game gear. Spending the day covering the pre-game practice, interviewing players, coaches, and staff, and seeing fans young and old brimming with excitement was a unique and exhilarating experience.

One of the highlights of the night was the Bananas’ dedication to creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their fans. The team spent over an hour in the afternoon perfecting their tricks and routines, ensuring every moment was packed with fun and entertainment. From the impressive trick plays to the thrilling fan interactions, the night was a testament to the team’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable performance.

The game itself was a whirlwind of excitement and joy. Highlights included a stunning display of skill and showmanship with the sideline baby race, the 1,000th trick play of the season, and a memorable moment when a 71-year-old fan caught the final ball of the game, securing the win for the Bananas and sending the Party Animals out.

A touching moment of the night was the Banana Foster Family recognition, presented by Emily Cole, the co-owner. At each game, a local family who helps children in foster care find their forever home is honored. As someone who was adopted, witnessing the team’s efforts to raise awareness and give back was especially meaningful to me.

Adding to the magic of the night were surprise appearances from Cleveland baseball stars Jason Kipnis and Corey Kluber, along with Columbus native wrestler and MMA fighter Zion Clark. Each of them joined the Bananas on the field for an unforgettable experience. The crowd erupted with cheers as they saw these unexpected guests join the team as surprise banana players.

Throughout the game, I was immersed in capturing the joy of the fans and the excitement on the field. The crowd's reactions—whether it was during the hilarious baby race, the Man-nanas' energetic dance routines with jumps and stunts, or the stunning finale with fans singing Coldplay’s “Yellow” under a shower of lights—highlighted the sheer delight and communal spirit that make a Savannah Bananas game truly special.

It was exhilarating to step outside my comfort zone and dive into sports photography, which I haven’t done extensively. I loved capturing moments on a new field, both literally and figuratively. With each photo, my goal was to showcase the excitement and energy of the event, and the atmosphere at Progressive Field was nothing short of electrifying.

The night ended with fans leaving the stadium with big smiles and happy hearts, a testament to the Savannah Bananas’ ability to create unforgettable experiences. For me, this game was not just about capturing images but about cherishing the memories made and the special moments shared with fellow fans.

This Savannah Bananas game was a perfect example of how powerful live experiences can be, whether through music or sports. I’m grateful for the opportunity to cover such an extraordinary event and for the chance to create memories that will stay with me for years to come.

‍

August 10, 2024 | Cleveland, OH | Progressive Field