CLEVELAND — The sensation known as "Banana Ball" will be returning to Cleveland in 2026.

However, the Savannah Bananas won't be a part of it — not technically, at least. Instead, the city will be part of what figures to be a massive expansion of the game itself.

The Bananas remain the nameplate for the barnstorming style of rollicking entertainment, but on Thursday night, founder Jessie Cole announced more growth for his brand of baseball hijinks.

Cole said the Savannah Bananas will be joined by five teams in a new league in 2026 that has scheduled appearances in 75 stadiums in 45 states. Cole said Banana Ball drew 2.2 million fans this year and he hopes that number grows to 3.3 million in 2026.

Cole said Banana Ball will be played in 14 major league parks and 10 football stadiums, i

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