The Auburn Tigers had the opportunity to host the Savana Banana’s “Banana Ball All-Stars” squad at Plainsman Park. The Tigers fell following a second showdown 4-3 after finishing the first nine innings tied at three. The night was full of many amazing feats and exciting moments throughout the two-hour Saturday night show.
“I think what they provided for us is an experience our players will take forever,” Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said regarding the opportunity to play the Banana Ball All-Stars, “but a real opportunity to absolutely focus on their game.”
The excitement kicked off as soon as the gates opened with music and festivities outside of the park along what is normally used as South Donahue Drive but was roped off and set up with tents and a stage with on stage performances coming from the Banana’s performers.
The show started with a first pitch from Auburn alumni and former MLB all-star pitcher Tim Hudson who threw a strike for the Banana Ball All-Stars squad that counted toward the first pitch of the game as a strike which led to a Chris Rembert strike out on the first Auburn at bat of the game.
Following the opening at-bat of the game Auburn catcher Chase Fralick had the first Auburn hit in Banana Ball history which led to a one question press conference at first base where Fralick exclaimed “it was awesome” in reference to his hit.
The Tigers took the first lead of 1-0 off of a three-run home run from Mason McCraine for Auburn which allowed them to eventually win the inning awarding them a one point lead.
The first few trick plays came from the visiting Banana Ball All-Stars but the first trick play for the Tigers came from a between the legs catch for a fly out that was made by center fielder Bristol Carter.
The most impressive stunt of the night among all of the trick plays, flips, and dance moves might have been when former Auburn star first baseman and current first base coach Sonny DiChiara stepped up for his one and only at-bat for the Tigers and hit a home run to right center field and was met at home by his entire team in celebration.
The Banana Ball All-Stars went on to tie the game by scoring three runs in the ninth all off of their ball four sprint rule which is where the runner can advance as far as he wants to until every player on the opposing team touches the ball then allowing them to attempt to get the out.
Following a 3-3 tie after nine innings the Tigers and Banana Ball All-Stars went to two showdowns where they sent up second baseman Chris Rembert and Bristol Carter to try and score but neither of which could get the job done. The All-Stars ended up walking in off in the second showdown when designated hitter Nick Lopez hit the ball to deep center field and ran in to score before the Auburn pitcher could get to it giving them the win by way of the showdown rules.
“That’s why I love to do the showdowns that best part of Banana Ball,” Lopez commented about his game winning shot, “so I knew I was going to go and do it and I wanted to take this win home for the guys and that’s exactly what I tried to do.”
The Auburn family enjoyed a rare opportunity to host the nationally famous Savannah Banana organization in front of a record crowd and did not waste the opportunity.
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Reid is a sophomore majoring in accounting. He joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @ReidFarris2
