Congratulations: Jesse Cole Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports
The man in the yellow tuxedo has officially joined the ranks of sports’ most powerful figures. Jesse Cole, the visionary founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports, a recognition that cements his reputation as one of the boldest innovators to ever step foot in baseball.
For many, Cole’s honor may feel overdue. In less than a decade, he has taken what began as a struggling collegiate summer league team in Savannah, Georgia, and transformed it into one of the most talked-about, most beloved, and most unconventional franchises in the world. With his boundless energy, signature yellow tuxedo, and fearless commitment to breaking tradition, Cole has rewritten the rules of America’s pastime and built something far greater than a baseball team: he’s built a cultural movement.
Reinventing the Game
Cole’s journey started with a question: what if baseball wasn’t just a game, but a full-scale entertainment experience? That question led to the birth of Banana Ball, the team’s unique, fast-paced version of baseball that shatters conventions while keeping fans at the center. In Banana Ball, games are capped at two hours, fans can catch foul balls for outs, and batters walk after just four balls — sprinting to first base as the defense scrambles to make the play.
At first, traditionalists scoffed. But under Cole’s leadership, the Bananas leaned into their “fans first, always” philosophy. Instead of clinging to convention, Cole doubled down on joy, creativity, and accessibility. The results speak for themselves: every home game in Savannah has sold out since 2016, the team has drawn massive crowds on their nationwide tours, and social media clips featuring their antics routinely go viral, racking up millions of views.
In a world where attention spans are short and competition for fans is fierce, Cole has found the secret sauce: make baseball fun again.
A Showman and a Visionary
Cole himself is as much a part of the Bananas’ brand as the players on the field. With his unmistakable tuxedo, booming laugh, and boundless optimism, he plays the role of ringmaster with a showman’s flair. But beneath the theatrics lies a sharp business mind and a relentless innovator.
He has rejected traditional advertising, relying instead on the power of storytelling and word-of-mouth. He has turned down lucrative offers from ticket scalpers, insisting on affordable, all-inclusive pricing for fans. And he has built a culture where players are encouraged to dance, joke, and interact with fans just as much as they’re expected to swing the bat or throw strikes.
This philosophy doesn’t just make for great entertainment — it builds loyalty. Bananas fans don’t just buy tickets; they feel like part of a family. Cole’s ability to create that sense of belonging is precisely why TIME recognized him as a transformative figure in the world of sports.
More Than Baseball
Cole’s influence reaches beyond the diamond. He’s shown that sports can thrive not by clinging to tradition, but by daring to be different. While Major League Baseball wrestles with attendance challenges and questions about the future of the game, Cole and the Bananas have flipped the script, proving that baseball — when infused with joy and creativity — can capture the imagination of millions.
He has also become a thought leader in entrepreneurship and leadership circles, sharing his philosophy through books like Fans First and speaking engagements across the country. His message is simple yet powerful: prioritize people over profits, experiences over transactions, and joy over convention.
Cementing a Legacy
Being named to the TIME 100 isn’t just a personal milestone for Jesse Cole — it’s a recognition of the movement he’s created. The Bananas’ impact is no longer confined to Savannah or even the United States; they’ve become a global phenomenon, drawing fans from every corner of the world who are captivated by their infectious spirit.
Cole’s inclusion alongside icons from across the sports landscape affirms what Bananas fans have known all along: that his vision is reshaping not just baseball, but the very way we think about sports. He has proven that passion, creativity, and a willingness to break the rules can make the impossible possible.
As Jesse Cole continues to chart new territory for the Bananas, his yellow tuxedo has become more than just a costume — it’s a symbol. A symbol of fun, of innovation, of daring to be different. And now, thanks to this honor from TIME, it’s also a symbol of influence at the very highest level.
For the fans who pack stadiums, dance in the aisles, and proudly wear their Bananas gear, the recognition feels personal. They aren’t just celebrating Jesse Cole — they’re celebrating the joy of a team that has turned baseball into something magical.
And if there’s one thing we know about Jesse Cole, it’s that this is only the beginning.