Tyler Gillum Bids Farewell: A Legacy of Fun, Leadership, and Impact with the Savannah Bananas
The world of baseball is filled with stories of players and coaches who leave indelible marks on the game, and Tyler Gillum’s chapter with the Savannah Bananas is one that fans, players, and the entire baseball community will remember for years to come. After years of service as the team’s head coach, mentor, and one of the biggest champions of the Bananas’ unique style of baseball, Gillum has announced that he is leaving his role. While goodbyes are never easy, his legacy is one of joy, innovation, leadership, and transformation both on and off the field.
Gillum first stepped into his role with the Savannah Bananas not simply as a baseball coach, but as a true believer in the vision of what this team represented. The Bananas were not created to be just another baseball team; they were built to revolutionize how fans experience the game. And Gillum, with his endless energy, belief in innovation, and a deep love for player development, quickly became the heartbeat of that mission. Under his guidance, the Bananas thrived not only in performance but also in culture. He brought structure, discipline, and professionalism into an environment that simultaneously celebrated joy, fun, and showmanship.
For Gillum, coaching the Bananas was never just about winning games. Of course, victories mattered, and his leadership helped the team rack up plenty of them. But what mattered more to him was building men of character, creating experiences that fans would never forget, and ensuring that every single player who stepped onto the field left as a better version of themselves. Whether it was helping young athletes refine their fundamentals or teaching them the importance of teamwork and resilience, Gillum approached the game with both seriousness and heart.
Over the years, he became known for his coaching style that blended high expectations with genuine care. Players often spoke about how much he pushed them, not only physically and mentally, but also to embrace the Bananas’ unique mission of “Fans First.” Gillum himself embraced the craziness of Banana Ball — from choreographed dances to in-game antics — and helped merge it seamlessly with serious baseball fundamentals. He embodied the idea that baseball could be both competitive and wildly entertaining, and that belief became a cornerstone of the Bananas’ rise to national fame.
Beyond the game, Gillum’s influence extended into the community. He connected with fans, built relationships with families, and never hesitated to give his time and energy to those who looked up to the Bananas as more than just a baseball team. He became a role model not only to his players but also to countless kids who dreamed of playing the game one day. His presence at events, camps, and meet-and-greets reflected his genuine care for the people who supported the team. For Gillum, this wasn’t just about baseball — it was about impact.
As news of his departure spreads, the emotions are bittersweet. Fans are filled with gratitude for the memories he has helped create — the dramatic wins, the hilarious in-game moments, and the countless evenings spent at Grayson Stadium that felt more like celebrations than baseball games. Players express their appreciation for his mentorship and leadership. And the organization reflects on how instrumental he was in building the culture that made the Bananas the phenomenon they are today.
But with every goodbye comes a new beginning. Gillum’s departure is not an ending, but rather the closing of one incredible chapter and the opening of another. His experience with the Bananas has positioned him as one of the most innovative coaches in the sport, and whatever comes next for him is sure to be met with success. Whether it’s continuing to shape the future of baseball, developing players at a higher level, or embarking on an entirely new adventure, Gillum carries with him the same energy, passion, and dedication that made him such a force in Savannah.
In reflecting on his time with the Bananas, Gillum will be remembered for much more than the games he coached. He will be remembered as the leader who embraced the wild, bold experiment that