Monticello Mini Bananas dance and play like Savanah Bananas

The two teams of Monticello Mini Bananas, Chiquita Bananas and Banana Splits, perform a group dance before the start of the game. Photo by Cheri Shelhart

MONTICELLO — Two teams made up the first Monticello Mini Bananas baseball league, the brainchild of Liz Chavez, a longtime coach and supporter of Little League baseball. She said she loves watching the Savanah Bananas, a game with a new take on baseball and different rules, which includes some dancing in between plays and shenanigans on and off the field.

On Thursday evening, the teams, Chiquita Bananas and Banana Splits, took to the field for a group dance before the start of the game after the traditional playing of the National Anthem. The Chiquita Bananas won the coin toss and were first up to bat. The boys were encouraged to dance while out in the field and the batters awaiting their turn, with a twerking umpire thrown into the mix. In between the dance moves, some serious baseball was played, although rules were different.

Chavez said she began working on the idea about a month ago, but within the last two weeks, it all fell into place. Hats were donated by the Twisted Scissors Salon, with other supporters joining to bring the game to fruition. Athletes that joined the league attended a camp where they learned to dance, while also learning the rules of the game, which are different from what they’re used to as Little League baseball players.

 

In this type of baseball, 3 runs wins the game; a batter can be out if he steps out of the batters box; players can steal first base under certain conditions and more. The rules follow the original Banana League rules.

When the boys got down to some serious baseball, they each had players make it to the bases, some stealing them, and runs were made. The Chiquita Bananas won the game with a score of 3 – 2. It was a tight game to see who would get the last run in first.

Between innings, a race around the base was run by a couple of young fans and a race among several kids to see who could throw a tennis ball the farthest. The teams also performed another group dance with coaches included between innings. Music played throughout the game so the boys could get their groove on, one even doing the “worm” while in outfield.

After the game, the teams gathered for some team photos and a chance to be silly before heading out.

The game was played on a field behind Oaklawn Elementary with a large crowd of fans enjoying the game and performances. Plans are to do this again next summer before school starts. They played only one game this year, so who knows, maybe next year, they’ll have more!