Going ‘Bananas’
Hubbard graduate joins Savannah Bananas team
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Considered one of the most entertaining baseball teams in recent history, the Savannah Bananas have been featured in publications like the New York Times and CNN for their antics on the baseball diamond.
The Bananas were founded by owner Jesse Cole who wanted to create something similar to the Harlem Globetrotters, but on a baseball field. Similar to the Globetrotters, the same two teams play, but the talent level rivals that of a minor league baseball team. There are numerous differences between a traditional game and a Bananas game, even down to the rules themselves.
For example, there are no walks in Bananas' games. If a pitcher throws four balls, the hitter can take off running to see what base he can get to before every defensive player touches the ball. Another brings the crowd into the fun of the game - if a fan catches a foul ball, it's ruled an out. These different rule changes, coupled with the social media blitz that brings the Bananas to the cell phones of people across the world, help build upon Cole's fan-first atmosphere. This atmosphere is part of why Hubbard grad Isaac Powell gravitated toward the team and joined the group only a few months ago.
Creating a fun atmosphere, however, is nothing new to Powell.
The Hubbard grad gained critical acclaim, albeit anonymously, as the Hubbard Eagle mascot.
"My confidence in my work and how we could 'push the limits' grew vastly after being featured at Walt Disney World with The Eagle at the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards which aired on CBS Sports in 2019," Powell said. "Being the Hubbard Eagle and working with Hubbard Schools post graduation really helped me grow my creative standpoint and push the limits."
His enthusiasm as the Eagle transformed into excitement for another furry fellow, Scrappy of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. In fact, Powell's work as Scrappy started when he was a teenager.
"(The Scrappers) allowed me to work hand-in-hand with the 'sports world' since I was 14-years-old," Powell said. "Through the years, I was able to build the Scrappy character which eventually landed me a full-time position as the Promotions Manager in their front office my final season."
As the Eagle, Powell said he wanted to create something completely new and build a persona. In only five years, Powell (as the Eagle) reached audiences virtually around the globe and in person. The additional responsibility as Scrappy was a bonus that would set him on a path to the Bananas.
"Being involved with the Scrappers in the front office was something I thought of often," he said. "When I was asked to apply and got hired as the promotions manager, it led me to a new aspect of the sports world which entailed authentic leadership and a vast amount of responsibility."
GOING BANANAS
While working with the Scrappers, however, an opportunity to work for the Bananas presented itself and Powell couldn't let it pass by. His natural enthusiasm and knack for entertainment were part of the deciding factor.
After earning praise for its "fan first" mentality, It was announced that the Bananas would be going on a world tour in 2023 -- it started this pas weekend in West Palm Beach, Fl. Powell joined the group as part of the entertainment and creative team working in promotions and entertainment.
For Powell, joining the Bananas came down to one aspect: culture.
"The culture is what sparked my interest initially with the Bananas. It's something Cole has been faithfully building as the foundation of this organization," Powell said. "Being part of a 'fans first' organization was the bait that drew me in and allowed me to fall in love with the team. This idea of being different and building upon new and fresh concepts has been so refreshing and what makes the team so successful."
The world tour has since sold out over 90 games across the United States. With this length of time, Powell believes he can help build entertainment value. He believes providing this new version of sports entertainment could transcend the Bananas.
"To learn and exemplify this culture to each organization I work with would be a dream," Powell said. "My sight is set to someday lead, or own, a similar organization with these same standards of growth back in my home state. My plan is to never do any of these goals alone, but grow through each individual I work beside."
After only a couple of months on the job, Powell said his favorite aspect is, naturally, the work environment and the atmosphere surrounding the games. The driving force behind all the team's success is the owner.
"Working with such talented and creative individuals has been such a key asset to this organization's success," Powell said. "From the idea sessions with Cole to our 'Fans First 101' gatherings, everyone is so hungry for new challenges and bringing the Bananas to the next level. Being with such special people is what keeps me going. I'm looking forward to meeting new faces through our fans this summer."
nhawthorne@tribtoday.com