Before the bats crack and the dancing takes over PNC Field Friday, fans got a preview of the Banana Ball excitement with a meet & greet with four players representing the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Firefighters.

Battaglia’s Sporting Goods and Lackawanna College Athletics teamed up for the meet and greet ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated games at PNC Field.

The meet and greet also featured apparel and equipment available for purchase.

Known for its fast-paced and entertaining twist on baseball, Banana Ball continues its tour with a stop in NEPA. Coordinator of Athletic Operations Danny Berg with Lackawanna College shared the thrill behind the meet and greet at Battaglia’s Sporting Goods, a longtime staple in the community.

“It’s an awesome opportunity with the Banana Ball craze taken over the entire country. You know, having them reach out to John and the family at Battaglia’s to come to this area and want to give the community the opportunity to meet the players. In our relationship from Lackawanna College and Battaglia’s is like bar none, probably one of the best partnerships that we have,” said Berg.

“So, it’s cool to be able to partner with them and let the kids really have an opportunity to meet their favorite players,” said Berg.

The excitement around Banana Ball is already drawing fans of all ages, especially families, ahead of this weekend’s games. Battaglia’s Sporting Goods owner John Ezbiansky said the energy in the room spoke for itself.

“You can see the excitement on their faces. So, I think that says it all,” said Ezbiansky.

Berg said bringing the Banana Ball tour to NEPA is a unique moment for the community and a chance for the region to be part of something special.

“Anytime we can showcase our home. We both grew up here. So, I think anytime that we can showcase like Scranton and the surrounding area. It’s a diamond in the rough. Not everybody knows what it has to offer. And it’s a great place to raise your family. And that’s what you’re seeing here today. I was even surprised. I thought it’d be older kids. But no, it’s that younger family. Big night out at the end of the school year,” said Berg.

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Ballpark gates open Friday at 5:30 p.m., as Banana Ball’s sold-out two-game series slides into PNC Field.