The Savannah Bananas put on a show for the ages on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.
If you're unfamiliar with the Bananas, think Harlem Globetrotters but baseball. Check out this back flip catch and you'll get the idea.
Because the back flip catches never get old...especially when they're in Citizens Bank Park😎 pic.twitter.com/e5KuGSMOCZ
The Bananas and their unique form of ball exploded in popularity over the last few years, as evidenced by the crowd of 45,000+ that packed the Bank (official capacity 42,901). Banana-heads in Philly were expecting a fun show. But the team exceeded expectations, doing its homework on Philadelphia sports and tailoring its antics specifically to capture the city's heart.
The result was a masterclass in pandering to the locals. There were Rocky references, a Philly Special, and a tush push. Walk-up music included the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song and Meek Mill's Dreams and Nightmares. And at the center of it all, several surprise guests from the beloved World Champion of Baseball 2008 Phillies.
A promotional video from the Bananas early in the day hinted at the thoughtful work the team put in behind all the wackiness. Sure, Rocky references are low-hanging fruit when it comes to the Art of the Pander. But look at how carefully the dance at the top of the art museum steps mimics Stallone's jig from the original film:
When in Philly🤷♀️ pic.twitter.com/yMxoeX7dg5
The city loves the pander. Yearns for the pander. But it can spot a half-hearted effort a mile away. It's why we all groan when Monday Night Football runs its tired cheesesteaks-sizzling-on-the-grill shots as it returns from commercial breaks. They're just mailing it in.
But, this. THIS is how you pander:
Bring Shane Victorino up to bat.
The Flyin' Hawaiian just came up to the plate for your Savannah Bananas in Citizens Bank Park.
Former Philly, Shane Victorino, is back🎉 pic.twitter.com/W1eA652L0P
Bring Joe Blanton out to the mound
World Series Champ, Joe Blanton, is suited up in yellow on the bump for the Nanners and secures the out😤 pic.twitter.com/5LEszQ5olP
How about some Jamie Moyer?? (The Phillies now have an abundance of fifth-starter options in the area. Just sayin'.)
All-Star, World Series Champ, and former Philly, Jamie Moyer, makes an appearance on the mound for your Bananas! pic.twitter.com/1vcIiJGDV6
Still not impressed? What if they bring Ryan got-damned Howard out in a got-damned golden helmet?!
And the Golden Batter for the Savannah Bananas tonight is Ryan Howard⭐
What a moment for Party Animals pitcher, Drew Gillespie, to strike out the 3x All-Star, World Series Champ, and NL Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8fNO9yx1jE
Here's the aforementioned Philly Special.
ICYMI: The @TheSavBananas ran the Philly Special last night.
📹: kristinb_etft on TikTok pic.twitter.com/vP7cAH4KX5
And here's the Bananas' opponents, the Party Animals (think Washington Generals), running the tush push:
The Party Animals 🤝 tush push pic.twitter.com/bmv9oQg9fT
Let's toss in a nod to the Mummers. Because why not.
A Savannah Bananas pitcher is rocking a Mummers costume on the mound at CBP.
Video: @TheSavBananas pic.twitter.com/due2u9lVh8
Sprinkle in the city's unofficial October anthem and hell yeah, now we're pandering with fire!!! (Yes, the Phillies have ditched the song, but we'll cut the Bananas some slack on this one.)
Dancing on my own. pic.twitter.com/KEZ09tupOc
What a night. What a show. It's enough to make Bryce Harper, king of the panderers, blush under his vintage Eagles hat.
