Yellow-clad chaos burst onto PNC Field on Friday, bringing excitement and energy fueled by dancing players, trick plays, fan interaction and choreographed antics.
The newly minted Banana Ball Championship League is hosting a two-game series this weekend between the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Firefighters.
Banana Ball, game-goers learned quickly, isn’t your grandad’s baseball game.
The Firefighters’ drum line ‘The Fireline’ perform before the game between The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters’ Dakota McFadden celebrates after winning the inning against The Loco Beach Coconuts during the game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Peyton Solar, 10, of Southampton, visits the table where Loco Beach Coconuts players Ben Parker, Will Ethridge and Zach Smith are signing autographs before the Banana Ball game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters players hold up a fan during the ‘Fan Challenge’ before the game between The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Loco Beach Coconuts players Ashby Vining (11) and Andy Archer (24) gesture to the crowd before the Banana Ball game against The Firefighters at PNC Fieldin Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters’ Bradford Webb releases a pitch against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Shawn Eppley, of Johnstown, juggles baseballs as The Firefighters player Tyner Hugh watches him before the game against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Loco Beach Coconuts’ Armani Henderson slides back into first base as The Firefighters’ Mason Maxwell attempts the tag during the game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A fan reacts in the stands during the game against The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Loco Beach Coconuts player Armani Henderson gestures to the crowd before the Banana Ball game against The Firefighters at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Mary Kate and Matt Abbadessa, of Philadelphia, pose for a photograph with their sons William, 6, and Christopher, 9, before the Banana Ball game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A fan stands up in the crowd before the game between The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Young fans gather to watch the Banana Ball game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A member of The Firefighters team runs out with the team flag before the game against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Friends River Colburn, and Lucas Wurst, both 9, of Hughesville, pose for a photograph during the Banana Ball game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Loco Beach Coconuts player Grady Morgan signs autographs for fans before the Banana Ball game against The Firefighters at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters’ Mason Maxwell runs onto the field to start the game against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters’ bat dog named ‘Chief’ interacts with fans before the Banana Ball game against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Loco Beach Coconuts infielder Sal Jacobo makes a double play as The Firefighters runner Tyner Hughes slides out at second base during the game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters mascot, Bo the Beaver, does a back flip off of the ladder during a performance between innings against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Loco Beach Coconuts player Gideon Antle is introduced before the game against The Firefighters at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Loco Beach Coconuts player Blake Benson (17) peps up the crowd with teammates before the Banana Ball game against The Firefighters at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A member of The Firefighters’ drum line ‘The Fireline’ throws us his drum stick before the game between The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A man from the crowd wins a competition held by The Firefighters before their game against the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Firefighters’ Caden Green tags out The Loco Beach Coconuts’ Armani Henderson at second base during the game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Loco Beach Coconuts mascot Peter Colada interacts with fans before the game against The Firefighters at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Loco Beach Coconuts’ Armani Henderson does a reverse somersault after scoring against The Firefighters during the game at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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The Firefighters’ drum line ‘The Fireline’ perform before the game between The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts at PNC Field in Moosic Friday, May 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Ticket holders arrived early, cheered loudly and dressed outlandishly. The event had something for everyone, with a baseball theme that exploded in hilarity and fun.
Both teams made their entrance onto the field with a healthy dose of “wow,” with the Coconuts led by “Peter Colada,” a parrot that serves as their mascot, and the Firefighters surrounded by tongues of flames, which had the crowd holding their breath.
Many attendees sported T-shirts reading “go bananas” and the evening didn’t fall short of that goal in terms of music, excitement and the unexpected.
“The Fire Line,” a live, hype-building drum line, burst onto field multiple times, demonstrating mad drum skills in the midst of a pyrotechnic display.
Midgame, couples made their way onto the field for a “kissing contest,” displayed on the big screen.
Participants joined in the fun, with one man responding “too long” when asked how long he had been married.
At one point, game-goers were directed to “throw their hands in the air,” as T-shirts were being thrown into the crowd.
When, in the top of the sixth, several members of the Coconuts removed their shirts, the crowd cheered and the big screen reflected the players’ big smiles and broad shoulders.
The seventh-inning stretch was more of a “stand” than a “stretch,” with game-goers asked to remain standing until the first out.
The crowd took the opportunity to wave their hands and do a bit of dancing until they heard the word “out” called.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, the lights were dimmed and the crowd was instructed to turn on their cellphone lights, creating a swath of tiny lights throughout the stadium.
Fans on fire for their team
Stephanie Wilson, of Milton, and Thomas Powell, of Lock Haven, were looking forward to an evening filled with “out of the box” experiences.
It was Wilson’s second Banana Ball game and she was beyond excited. Powell hadn’t been to a game before but said he caught the banana bug from Wilson.
The two attended with a group of five friends and family members, a mix of Coconut and Firefighter fans.
“You need to come with an open mind,” Wilson said. “This is way more exciting than baseball.”
Margot Wilcha turns 9 this weekend and came out to the game to celebrate with 14 of her friends — on a party bus.
Wilcha, of Carbondale, was enjoying the party vibe and music as she and her friends waited to get into the game. They readily danced, cheered and threw their hands up to the beat of the music, which seemed to rock the stadium.
Katie Galinski, Wilcha’s aunt, one of the adults accompanying the group of young Loco Beach Coconuts fans, said it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate and have fun.
Andy Archer, a member of the Coconuts, stood in a line signing autographs and taking photos with his fans, readily discussing the specifics of the game.
When asked how long he had been a Coconut, he answered that it was his first year.
But it wasn’t his first year on the field for the unique event. Before he was a Coconut, he was a Savannah Banana for two years.
Archer was enjoying the crowd at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre vibe.
Win/win anniversary date
Arthur and Alyssa Dowell are married for just over three years and they agree on many things, but not sports.
Arthur, a sports reporter, loves baseball and is always down to watch a game. Alyssa, on the other hand, is not a sports fan.
Both, however, love to have fun and to spend time together. So, Friday’s game provided the perfect mix of sports and fun for the couple.
The two watched videos and knew a bit about what to expect from the evening, but neither had attended a Banana Ball game before.
“I’m going in with an open mind,” Arthur Dowell said.
He was not disappointed.
Following the game, he said. “It was fun. Sports are meant to be entertainment and they definitely held up to that.”
The Cool Aunts
Roman Wagner, 6, was attending the event with his aunts Mandy and Tiffany Shaffer, who described themselves as “the cool aunts.”
Roman, of Carbondale, wore a Loco Coconuts jersey bearing the number 5, because his own baseball uniform also bears the number.
The aunts said the boys were excited to visit the stadium, not only because they love baseball, but because they love having fun.
“We’re having a blast,” Mandy Shaffer said.
A twist on scoring
In Banana Ball, each inning functions as its own mini-game worth one point. The team that scores the most runs in an individual inning earns that inning’s point.
The Coconuts started off strong, winning the first inning and the first point. But the Firefighters were undeterred and came back to win the second inning and the second point.
The teams’ struggle for the lead continued, with the third inning going to the Coconuts and the fourth to the Firefighters.
The Coconuts briefly saw a lead in the fifth inning, but the Firefighters quickly came back in the sixth, creating another tie.
The Coconuts won the seventh inning, and both teams failed to score in the eighth and ninth innings.
In Banana Ball, that translated into a win for the Coconuts and a reason for the crowd to break out in a hearty round of applause.
Acknowledging excellence
The event also included acknowledgment of a local foster family, as part of the “Bananas Foster” program.
In the bottom of the third inning, Alyssa Lane, who began her foster care journey at 21 and has since welcomed 80 children into her home, made her way onto the field to the song, “We Are Family.”
The program, a nonprofit, was created to “celebrate, uplift, and stand beside foster families, caseworkers, and advocates.”
Baseball rebranded
In October 2015, Banana Ball first arrived in Savannah, Georgia, as a college summer team with a goal in mind: make baseball fun and bring fans back to historic Grayson Stadium.
For the first time, minor league baseball had left the city of Savannah after calling it home for 90 years.
In the first few months, the team sold only a handful of tickets. By January 2016, just months before their first game, the team had overdrafted their bank account. Owners Jesse and Emily Cole were forced to sell their home to keep the team and their dream going.
But on Feb. 25, 2016, when the team announced its name as the “Savannah Bananas,” everything changed.
The announcement created massive attention locally and nationally from multiple media sites, with the team even being featured as ESPN SportsCenter’s “Logo of the Year.”
Finally, people were recognizing the Savannah Banana name and logo.
Fans were met with a completely unique experience, including all-inclusive food, a senior citizen dance team, the first Banana Baby and dancing baseball players.
Since the first season, the team has sold out every game. From NFL and MLB stadiums across the country to Grayson Stadium, each performance is filled with the exciting and unexpected.
Friday at PNC Field was no exception. Not only was the stadium filled with people, the atmosphere was filled with the excitement and energy that defined the event.
Banana Ball: An evening of the unexpected
3:30 p.m.: Ticket holders made their way into the plaza to get autographs from members of both teams, grab a snack and get the party started. The crowd was awash in banana shirts, flaming hats and coconut-themed jerseys. Ticket holders varied in age from sunglass-wearing toddlers to families and retirees who had traveled from other areas and even other states.
The Firefighters musical group delight the crowds at the PNC Field plaza prior to the game Friday .(GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Music ranged from Nickelback’s “Rockstar” to Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies.” Multiple musical groups began entertaining the crowd. Some attendees showed off some of their own dance moves as they waited for the show to begin.
4 p.m.: Event staff prepared for the rush of people. The crowd grew, and many took time to recall previous games they had attended. Members of both teams introduced themselves to youngsters, taking time for a photo or to chat with an adult. Both the crowd, the excitement and the noise level grew, as people anticipated the opening of the gates.
Coconut team member Andy Archer greets those attending the Banana Ball game on on Friday, May 22, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Margo Wilcha and 14 of her friends took a party bus to the Banana Ball game to celebrate her ninth birthday on Friday, May 22, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Kaesen Wagner, 9, and Roman Wagner, 6, sport their baseball gloves and Coconut jerseys Friday before Banana Ball at PNC Field on May 22, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
5 p.m.: “Banana Ball Backstage,” an exclusive pregame event that allowed fans to enter the stadium early for a private, on-field meet-and-greet with the players and cast members.
“Banana Ball Backstage” provided select fans with the opportunity to meet players on the field prior to the game on on Friday, May 22, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Meanwhile, the crowd quieted down for a few minutes, anticipating the opening of the gate.
5:30 p.m.: Crowds rushed through the gates as soon as they opened. People soon began to fill the stadium’s seats, with many stopping to get a snack to fuel themselves for the excitement ahead.
Banana Ball aficionados rush through the gates as soon as they opened at PNC Field on May 22, 2026, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Youngsters were soon posing for the video camera that displayed their image on the venue’s jumbo screen. But even the video images provided a chance for mirth, with images often accompanied by subtitles, like “Doesn’t know what teams are playing” and “Already forgot where they parked” — which is often a real concern for those attending.
6:30 p.m.: The Coconuts’ mascot, an aqua parrot, led the team onto the field and the players were introduced.
The Loco Coconuts make their way onto the field at the Banana Ball game on May 22, 2026 at PNC Field. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Next, the Firefighters ran onto the field to the cheers of the crowd, complete with a show of flames.
The Firefighters enter the field at the Banana Ball game on Friday, May 22, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
7 p.m.: The game began promptly and the two-hour clock started.
Unlike a traditional baseball game with nine untimed innings, Banana Baseball has a hard two-hour time limit. No new innings can begin after an hour and 50 minutes has elapsed.
Other rules also add color and adventure to the game: Batters must stay in the batter’s box, and stepping out results in an automatic strike; bunting is prohibited; no walks — on ball four, the batter sprints toward first base and can keep going, because every single fielder must touch the ball before the runner can be tagged out.
9 p.m.: Many game-goers left several minutes early in an attempt to beat the traffic headed home, mainly on Interstate 81.
Saturday: The Loco Beach Coconuts and the Firefighters will be at it again with game time at 7 p.m. at PNC Field on what is expected to be a rainy day.