Covering the Banana Ball Tour in Frisco was a one-of-a-kind experience. The players’ enthusiasm, passion and clear commitment to fans make each Banana Ball game a distinct, entertainment-first event.
I arrived early both days to interview players, observe pregame rehearsals and get a behind-the-scenes look at the celebrations, walk-up routines and in-game shenanigans that vary by venue and team. No two Banana Ball games are the same and are even assembled based on where the game is taking place.
Jake Skole
The first player I interviewed was Jake Skole, the league’s Triple Crown winner and MVP. A former 15th-overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2010, Skole spent seven seasons in the minors before attending the University of Georgia, where he also appeared in two football games. He later played independent ball and spent part of a season in Australia before finding a home in Banana Ball.
Asked about returning to Frisco — where he played in the Rangers’ system a decade earlier — Skole said, “Every minor leaguer should count their blessings if they get to play a season here,” praising the city, team and management.
Comparing his time at Georgia to appearing in front of Banana Ball crowds, Skole said nothing tops running onto the field in front of 100,000 fans, “but the fans also bring it here every night and it always feels like a student section. To play in front of that on a weekly basis is pretty special.”
On engaging with fans, Skole said building connections wasn’t taught in pro ball and the adjustment was a challenging one at first. “Now I’m looking to give a fan a broken bat, or sign for, or even leave tickets for and that’s something I never would have done if I wasn’t in this environment.”
Skole has truly embraced his role, signing hundreds of autographs daily and serving as a marquee presence for the league. Illustrating how these athletes can play at an Elite Level while delivering a fan-focused Spectacle.
Skole was a fan-voted franchise pick and will return to the Party Animals in 2026.
Kollin Stone
I also spoke with right-hander Kollin Stone, a former Arkansas State pitcher who came to Banana Ball after competing in Jomboy Media Warehouse blitzball events. Stone said the Warehouse games were excellent preparation for Banana Ball because both are fast-paced, fan-focused and designed to entertain between game action.
Transitioning from blitzball to baseball required adjustments. “There’s definitely various things that I’ve had to almost rewire my brain to do when it comes to throwing a blitz ball versus throwing a baseball, and it’s tricky because I’ve had to teach and reteach myself several different times how to pitch is Three various styles of Baseball. ” Stone said.
Stone was ultimately not retained by a Banana Ball team for the upcoming season, and his next move is uncertain although has recently taken part in a blitzball even signally a potential return to blitzball.
Bronson “Bronny“ Balholm Catcher Bronson “Bronny” Balholm, a fan favorite, traced his baseball roots from Little League to Arizona State and independent ball. Balholm credits his mother’s passion for the game and recalled being welcomed by teammates and staff as soon as he arrived in Frisco.
Reflecting on his time at Arizona State, Balholm singled out coach Willie Bloomquist as an example of professionalism and pride stating “Willie Bloomquist was such a great example on how to go about things as a professional and go about it the right way.” On the difference between collegiate baseball and Banana Ball, he said, “In college there was so much pressure on performance and along with that came the stress and anxieties. With Banana Ball that’s all gone and you feel like a kid again in Little League, playing with friends.”
Balholm said it still amazes him that children now ask for his autograph instead of a big leaguer’s. “It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s a testimony of what we’re doing out here and that we’re doing the right things and on the right path.”
Balholm will return to the champion Party Animals for the 2026 season.
The bigger picture
Skole, Stone and Balholm each brought different paths and perspectives, but all reflected Banana Ball’s emphasis on accessibility, fun and fan engagement. Players welcome interaction, embrace the spotlight and makes the fans feel like longtime friends.
Banana Ball is a spectacle worth seeing at least once — a unique blend of sport and entertainment that leaves fans wanting more. If the three players I spoke with are any indication, the league’s future looks bright.
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