Savannah Bananas to take over Sutter Health Park

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Savannah Bananas will be taking over Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento this week.

The Bananas will face off against the rival team, the Party Animals.

They'll be playing three sold-out games Thursday, May 9; Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11. All games start at 7 p.m., though some festivities start before.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and it's a general admission event. People can enter the line on the corner of Riverfront Street and Ballpark Drive. ADA access will be on 5th Street.

Attendees can expect trick plays, TikTok dances, and of course, baseball.

Be on the lookout for celebrity guests. Last year, former San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence made an appearance at Sutter Health Park.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the Sacramento community the opportunity to capture the energy and excitement of the Savannah Bananas right here at Sutter Health Park for the second year in a row,” Vice President of Facilities and Events for the Sacramento River Cats Brittney Nizuk said in a statement. “This will again be one of those moments we’re able to create treasured memories at the ballpark.” 

What to Know

Here's what you should know before going to see the Savannah Bananas at Sutter Health Park.

Payment

Suter Health Park is a cashless venue. Only electronic payment is accepted.

Parking

Parking is $15 per car and is electronic payments only. Parking is limited and will sell out, according to Sutter Health Park's website.

Start Time

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m.

Bag Policy

Small clutches and wallets no larger than 5”x 8". Anything larger needs to be in a clear bag. 

Food and Drink

People can bring factory-sealed water bottles and empty refillable bottles. Food and drinks are also available for purchase.

Find more information HERE.

What is Banana Ball?

Banana Ball differs from standard baseball and has 11 rules:

1. Every inning counts: The team with the most runs in an inning gets a point. The first team to five points wins. In the last inning,  every run counts.
2. Two-hour time limit: No new inning can be started after 2 hours. In the last inning of the game, every run counts.
3. No stepping out: If the hitter steps out of the box, it’s a strike.
4. No bunting: If a hitter bunts, they will be thrown out of the game.
5. Batters can steal first: If a passed ball or wild pitch happens during any pitch of an at-bat, or any time the batter chooses.
6. No walks allowed: If a pitcher throws a fourth ball, it becomes a sprint. The hitter will take off running while the catcher has to throw the ball around to every defensive player on the field before it becomes a live ball. The hitter can advance to as many bases as he can. The ball does not have to touch the catcher or the pitcher.
7. No mound visits allowed: No mound visits from the coach, catcher, or any other players.
8. If a fan catches a foul ball, it's an out: Get your gloves ready. But whatever you do, don’t catch a Bananas foul ball.
9. 1-on-1 showdown tiebreaker: In each showdown, the hitter must score. If they score, it’s worth one point. If they get out, it’s worth no points and it’s called a Showdown Shutdown. In the final showdown, every run counts as a point.
   1. Round 1: Pitcher, catcher, and one fielder vs one hitter
   2. Round 2: Pitcher and catcher vs one hitter.
   3. Round 3: Pitcher, catcher, and one fielder vs one hitter with bases loaded.
10. The Banana Ball challenge rule: Each team is allowed to challenge one ruling on the field. In addition, the fans can challenge a ruling during the game. A fan representative will shoot off confetti and hold up a fan challenge sign.
11. The golden batter rule: One time a game, a team may send any hitter in the lineup to bat in any spot

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