Jesse Cole Partners with Ryan Flores, the Savannah Bananas’ First Pitcher, to Shape the Future of the Team as Assigning Manager
When Jesse Cole founded the Savannah Bananas in 2016, his vision wasn’t just to create another summer collegiate baseball team—it was to revolutionize the way people experience the game. From the moment the Bananas debuted in the Coastal Plain League, Cole and his yellow tuxedo became synonymous with fun, creativity, and breaking the rules of traditional baseball. But behind the showmanship and entertainment, the Bananas have always been about people—the players who made history, the fans who filled Grayson Stadium, and the staff who worked tirelessly to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Now, nearly a decade later, Jesse Cole has come full circle by signing a new partnership with a name that Bananas fans will remember forever: Ryan Flores. Flores wasn’t just any player; he was the first pitcher in Savannah Bananas history, the man who threw the very first pitch in their inaugural season back in June 2016. That moment marked the beginning of what would grow into a national phenomenon known today as Banana Ball.
Cole’s decision to bring Flores back to the organization as the assigning manager is both symbolic and strategic. Symbolic because Flores represents the roots of the Bananas—a reminder of where the journey began. Strategic because Flores has accumulated years of experience playing professionally in independent leagues and internationally, gaining insights that now make him uniquely qualified to help guide the next generation of Bananas players.
As assigning manager, Flores will be responsible for working closely with the coaching staff and front office to evaluate talent, set rosters, and make sure the team maintains the perfect balance between competitive play and pure entertainment. This isn’t a traditional baseball job; it’s one that demands creativity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the Bananas’ mission. Flores’ background as both a competitor and a pioneer in the team’s history makes him the ideal fit.
Jesse Cole praised the move, noting how important it is to connect the team’s past with its future:
> “When Ryan stepped on the mound in 2016, he helped us write the very first chapter of our story. Bringing him back now isn’t just about baseball—it’s about honoring that history and giving him the opportunity to help us build what comes next. The Bananas are bigger than ever, and Ryan understands exactly what it takes to make this team special.”
Flores himself expressed excitement at the chance to return to Savannah in a new role. Having traveled across leagues and continents, he knows firsthand the challenges that players face and the importance of creating a supportive, innovative environment. By taking on the responsibility of assigning manager, Flores hopes to blend his professional knowledge with the Bananas’ trademark creativity.
“I never imagined, back when I threw that first pitch, that I’d be back here helping shape the future of this organization,” Flores said. “This team means so much to the community and to baseball fans everywhere. My goal is to make sure our players feel prepared, supported, and excited to be part of something that’s unlike anything else in the sport.”
For Bananas fans, this partnership signals another exciting chapter in the franchise’s meteoric rise. Since 2016, the team has sold out every home game, launched national tours, and even announced plans to play in Major League stadiums. Their brand of baseball has captured the hearts of millions, blending athletic excellence with showmanship in a way that challenges the traditional model of the sport. Adding Flores to the leadership team gives the Bananas a bridge between the foundational years of the organization and the bold future Jesse Cole continues to chart.
It’s also a testament to Cole’s philosophy that relationships are at the core of everything the Bananas do. By bringing back a player who helped launch the franchise, he reinforces the idea that once you’re part of the Bananas family, you’re always part of the Bananas family.
As the team looks ahead to future tours, new stadium appearances, and continued innovation in Banana Ball, Flores will play a critical role in keeping the baseball side strong while still supporting the entertainment vision that makes the Bananas so unique. His dual identity—as a competitor who once wore the Bananas uniform and as a seasoned professional who has seen the game from multiple perspectives—will allow him to manage assignments with both heart and strategy.
The story of Jesse Cole and Ryan Flores joining forces is more than a business deal. It’s a reminder of how far the Bananas have come in less than a decade, and how deeply they value the people who shaped that journey. For fans, it’s a thrilling full-circle moment: the first pitcher is back, not on the mound this time, but behind the scenes, helping orchestrate the next era of Banana Ball magic.
One thing is clear: with Jesse Cole’s bold vision and Ryan Flores’ baseball expertise, the Savannah Bananas are poised to continue rewriting the script for America’s pastime.