Savannah Makes History: Work Begins on Stunning, State-of-the-Art Statue Honoring Savannah Bananas Founder at PYC Park’s Southeast Corner — A Bold New Landmark Celebrating Vision, Community Spirit, and the Team That Revolutionized Baseball Entertainment
Savannah is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and passion for sports. Now, it is adding yet another chapter to its story with the commencement of construction on a breathtaking, state-of-the-art statue dedicated to the founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas. Rising from the southeast corner of PYC Park, this landmark will stand not just as a tribute to one man, but as a symbol of innovation, community spirit, and the joyous energy that has turned a small baseball franchise into a nationwide sensation.
The Savannah Bananas have already transformed how fans think about the game of baseball. Their unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and fan interaction has captured hearts well beyond Georgia, drawing millions of social media followers and selling out ballparks across the country. The team’s founder has often been credited as the creative force behind this phenomenon, daring to do things differently and proving that baseball can be both competitive and wildly fun. It is therefore fitting that the city is giving his legacy a permanent, physical form.
According to city planners and project officials, the new statue is not just a simple bronze likeness. Designed by a team of nationally recognized sculptors and architects, it will feature a modern, dynamic pose reflecting the founder’s trademark energy and showmanship. Early concept sketches depict him tipping a signature yellow top hat to fans while holding a baseball bat shaped like a banana — an image that perfectly captures the playful yet visionary ethos of the team. Standing more than 15 feet tall on a landscaped plaza, the monument is set to be illuminated at night, creating a glowing beacon visible from multiple entrances to PYC Park.
Funding for the project has come through a public-private partnership between the city of Savannah, local businesses, and the Bananas organization itself. Organizers have emphasized that the statue is not just about honoring an individual, but about investing in community pride and tourism. By placing it on the southeast corner of PYC Park — one of the busiest entry points on game days — city officials expect it to become a favorite backdrop for photos, meet-ups, and media coverage. The area around the statue will also feature engraved bricks purchased by fans, each inscribed with messages celebrating special memories, milestones, or simply a love for Bananas baseball. This interactive element ensures that the monument is built not only for the people but with the people.
Local leaders have been enthusiastic about the potential impact. “This statue is a celebration of what happens when vision meets community,” said one city council member at the groundbreaking. “The Savannah Bananas have put our city on the national sports map, and this monument will anchor that story for generations to come.”
Construction is scheduled to take place in phases over the next year. The foundation and plaza are already being prepared, with the sculpted figure expected to be installed in late spring. A grand unveiling ceremony is being planned to coincide with the opening game of the next season, complete with live music, fireworks, and appearances by former players and coaches who helped shape the team’s identity.
Beyond aesthetics and symbolism, the project is also expected to boost the local economy. Tourism experts predict increased foot traffic to PYC Park and surrounding businesses, as fans travel from across the country to see the statue and experience a Bananas game in person. Merchandising opportunities — including miniature replicas and commemorative items — are already in development, with proceeds partially funding youth sports programs in Savannah.
For many residents, the statue represents the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. The founder’s journey from a bold idea to a beloved institution mirrors the city’s own spirit of resilience. As construction crews work on the site, passersby can already sense the excitement building. Some fans have even begun informal countdowns on social media, sharing memories of their favorite games and speculating about the final design.
In an age when sports franchises often come and go, the Savannah Bananas have become more than just a team — they are a movement. By immortalizing the visionary behind that movement in a world-class statue, Savannah is making a statement about its values: tradition blended with innovation, fun married to excellence, and a deep belief in the power of community.
When the finished monument is unveiled, it will not merely stand as a piece of art. It will be a destination, a rallying point, and a beacon that tells everyone entering PYC Park: here is where baseball became extraordinary. And for the thousands of fans who have cheered, danced, and sung along with the Bananas, it will feel like coming home to a place where memories live forever in bronze and light.