SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Baseball is getting a twist, with a bunch of bananas. The second-ever banana ball youth tournament, and the first of its kind in Savannah, kicks off today.

With almost 800 players from 35 states, it’s anything but your average tournament. Remember, it’s a Banana Ball Youth Tournament, which means kids from all over the country will be coming to Savannah to compete in America’s pastime.

From wild walk-up intros to trick plays, kids will learn the game from real Bananas players and compete all week. This five-day tournament starts today with a Banana Ball camp led by current Bananas players and coaches. This is followed by a high-energy opening ceremony at Grayson Stadium.

Games officially begin Thursday with pool play and elimination rounds taking place at both Paulson and Ambucs Complexes through July 12th. What makes this different from other tournaments? Every player is individually registered and placed onto a team – no pre-made rosters, no pressure, just pure fun.

“We have 770 players from all over the United States. 35 different states are going to be represented this week in Savannah. This is literally the future generation of Banana Ball. I think that in about 10 to 12 years, we’re going to see a child who came to our tournament this year playing on this field as a professional baseball player, at Grayson Stadium,” said Adam Virant, the Director of Baseball Operations at Savannah Bananas.

This is the second ever Banana Ball Youth Tournament, but the first to be hosted right here in Savannah. Last year’s was hosted in Cleveland.

The tournament wraps up with championship game showdown on Sunday right here at the historic Grayson Stadium, where the public is free to watch the youngest ever to compete on this field.

“Our stadium will be open to the general public. We will be having very limited offerings from a food standpoint. But, you know, the focus is on the players. So, families are going to be here to come and support the next generation of Banana Ball players. We are all for that,” said Virant about the championship game.

Competing age groups rang from 9U to 12U, the youngest to compete on the Grayson Stadium field.

“To my knowledge, we’ve never had nine-, ten-, 11-, or 12-year-olds,” said Virant.

The decision behind bringing the youth tournament to Savannah was for the community. And celebrate how far the team has come.

“I hope the community really appreciates this. I hope that they embrace that something truly special is happening this week here,” shared Virant.

Fast Facts for Banana Ball Youth Tourney Hitting Savannah:

• 64 teams participating
• 4 Age Divisions (9U–12U)
• Championship Game at Grayson Stadium – July 13
• Fun-focused format, with Banana Ball rules