First-Ever Banana Ball Player Draft Results: Every Pick and Round

The Savannah Bananas held their historic first-ever Banana Ball Player Draft on Nov. 14–15, laying the foundation for the new Banana Ball Championship League, which is scheduled to begin in 2026. This monumental event allowed the two new expansion teams, the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts, to select players to build their inaugural rosters.

Ahead of the draft, each of the original four teams—the Bananas, Firefighters, Party Animals, and Tailgaters—retained 11 players. To quickly stock the rosters of the expansion clubs, both the Clowns and Coconuts received two picks per round, selecting at both the very beginning and the very end of each 8-pick round.

The teams alternated picking priority each round. In odd-numbered rounds, the Clowns selected first and eighth, with the Coconuts choosing second and seventh. This order reversed in even rounds. In total, 88 players were selected across 11 rounds, completely reshaping the league landscape.

Round 1: A Blockbuster Start

The draft's first pick delivered the night's biggest surprise. The Clowns used the first overall selection on a player who had not been formally announced as entering the Banana Ball circuit.

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 1): Clowns — Jackie Bradley Jr., OF

Bradley Jr.’s selection stunned spectators. The former MLB All-Star, Gold Glove winner, League Series MVP, and World Series champion was announced as a Banana Ball player, immediately signaling a major boost in star power and experience for the Indianapolis Clowns.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 2): Coconuts — Drake Fontenot, RHP

The Coconuts secured the consensus top pitcher available in Fontenot, the 2025 Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Year from Delta State. The right-hander provides stability atop the Coconuts’ starting rotation.

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 3): Tailgaters — Chris Clarke, RHP

Clarke, a lively right-hander and a former Chicago Cubs prospect who was an All-Pac-12 team member for USC in 2019, was selected by the Tailgaters. His Major League career ended in August with his release from the Cubs organization, but he brings valuable experience as he looks to transition from traditional baseball to Banana Ball.

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 4): Bananas — Austin Drury, LHP

Drury, a left-handed pitcher, spent four seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ system, where he posted a career earned run average of 3.35. After transitioning to independent ball, he now joins Banana Ball in hopes of becoming a staple arm in the flagship Bananas rotation.

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 5): Firefighters — Eric Jones Jr., 1B/C

The Firefighters made a statement, selecting Jones Jr., a four-year Banana Ball veteran known for his prolific hitting. He has accumulated 29 career home runs—second only to Jake Skole—and is expected to anchor the Firefighters’ lineup.

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 6): Party Animals — Bryson Bloomer, 3B

The defending league champions opted for stability and fan loyalty, selecting Bloomer, widely known as “Coach Bloomer” for his social media coaching videos. He was a Banana Ball All-Star in 2025.

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 7): Coconuts — Ben Parker, OF

A college standout, Parker tallied a career-best 10 home runs and a 1.182 OPS in his final season, finishing with a .371 career batting average. Known for his show-stopping backflips and unicycle riding during the Los Angeles tryouts, he is immediately poised to become a fan favorite.

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 8): Clowns — Correlle Prime, RHP/1B

The Clowns concluded the first round by selecting Prime, a versatile two-way player. Drafted in the 12th round out of high school in 2012, Prime played with the Colorado Rockies organization for six and a half years, reaching Double-A Hartford. He has spent the past year and a half with the Bananas, carving out a reputation as an essential contributor.

Round One Analysis and Overall Impressions

The Coconuts are widely viewed as the biggest winner of the first round, capitalizing on their two picks to secure a potential lockdown pitcher in Fontenot and a breakout star in Parker, whose on-field personality and talent are a perfect fit for the league.

The Party Animals went with a safe choice by bringing back a core player and crowd favorite, fostering team chemistry from last season’s championship squad.

The Firefighters made a bold move by selecting Jones Jr., one of Banana Ball’s most prolific hitters, significantly strengthening their offense. Some observers questioned the Bananas' decision to let go of their veteran star, Jones Jr., in turn for a pitcher in Drury, despite pitching being a core need coming into the draft.

Jackie Bradley Jr. is already considered a top MVP contender for the Clowns, and the team perfectly complemented this pick with an experienced Banana Baller in Prime, capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.

Finally, both the Tailgaters and Bananas focused on addressing team needs by selecting pitchers—Clarke and Drury—who bring considerable minor league experience despite limited Banana Ball exposure.

Rounds 2 and 3: The Talent Hunt Continues

Following an impactful Round 1, the Coconuts held the first pick of Round 2, setting the stage for continued strategic selections, particularly from the wealth of former collegiate and minor league talent.

Round 2

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 9): Coconuts – Tanner Allen, OF

The Coconuts opened Round 2 by selecting Allen, whose collegiate career at Mississippi State University from 2018–2021 is notably impressive. He earned accolades including SEC Player of the Year, Consensus All-American, ABCA National Player of the Year, and All-Tournament Team honors, culminating in a College World Series championship. The Coconuts roster is already rich with talent after just three selections.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 10): Clowns – Bobby Lada, SS

Considered one of the top hitters entering the draft, Lada recorded multiple seasons with 17 or more home runs in independent league baseball. He is positioned to become a foundational shortstop for the newest Banana Ball team.

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 11): Tailgaters – Jordan Barth, IF

Barth boasts a career .379 batting average at Augustana University and a career OPS exceeding 1.000. He is anticipated to be a star in the Tailgaters' lineup, having demonstrated significant power in his recent independent league seasons by hitting double-digit home runs in his last three years and setting a career high with 19 last season.

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 12): Bananas – Max Jung-Goldberg, UTL/1B

This prominent Pioneer League player had an outstanding year with the Boise Hawks, posting a .361/.476/.678 slash line with 26 home runs and 130 runs batted in. He also recorded more walks than strikeouts, and his performance suggests he could become one of the league's premier hitters.

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 13): Firefighters – Jared Donaldson, RHP

The Firefighters continued their strategy of acquiring players from other teams by selecting another former Banana. Donaldson began the year as a starter but transitioned to the bullpen after a challenging start, subsequently regaining confidence to become one of the league's top relief pitchers. He accumulated 63 strikeouts, ranking second on the tour.

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 14): Party Animals – Peter Holden, LHP

The Party Animals maintained their approach of keeping the team chemistry by bringing back left-handed pitcher Holden, who posted a 120 ERA+ in 44 appearances last season.

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 15): Clowns – David Griffin, RHP

Griffin, a former New York Mets minor leaguer, advanced from independent league baseball to sign with the Mets organization, making his journey one of the more compelling stories in this draft. His diverse pitch repertoire, particularly an effective sinker with pronounced movement, makes him a valuable addition.

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 16): Coconuts – Ashby Vining, C

This selection is considered ideal, combining Vining's experience in Banana Ball, where he distinguished himself by hitting three home runs in five Visitors games, with his known production. The Coconuts secured a player with proven experience, results, and the “surfer boy” vibes that are a match made in paradise.

Round 3

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 17): Clowns – Jalen Vasquez, IF

A former prospect in the Baltimore Orioles farm system, Vasquez spent three years with the organization after being selected in the 20th round of the 2023 draft. Despite being released in August, his impressive performance at the Banana Ball tryouts earned him a selection in the top three rounds, and he is expected to be a key contributor for the Clowns.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 18): Coconuts – Peyton Chatagnier, SS

The Coconuts made consecutive selections from the Visitors team, choosing their starting shortstop. Chatagnier hit two home runs in five games while batting leadoff. He spent four years at the University of Mississippi, becoming a National Champion in 2022, and concluded his collegiate career at TCU.

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 19): Tailgaters – Reese Miller, RHP

The 2025 Pioneer League Reliever of the Year, Miller recorded 113 strikeouts and just 20 walks. He is anticipated to be one of the premier closers in the Banana Ball league as the Tailgaters aim to replicate the Firefighters' pitching-led success from last season.

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 20): Bananas – "Cowboy" Kyle Luigs, RHP

An eight-year veteran of Banana Ball and the all-time leader in Banana Ball innings pitched, Luigs' selection is a strategic choice by the Bananas, sure to be popular with fans eager to see him continue in bright yellow.

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 21): Firefighters – Armando Becerra, OF

The Firefighters continued their strategy of acquiring talent, securing a player from the reigning champion Party Animals. Becerra, a 2025 Banana Ball All-Star and elite defensive player, is a significant addition. He is expected to enhance their championship experience and outfield versatility, especially given his high-level defense that led him to split time with MVP Jake Skole last season. Becerra is anticipated to be a regular starter for the Firefighters in the upcoming season.

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 22): Party Animals – Dustin Baber, IF

Baber, a popular veteran player, represents another instance of the Party Animals retaining their core players. The charismatic second baseman recorded a career-high six home runs this season and ranks second all-time in trick plays. Baber will aim for a repeat championship in 2026 with the Party Animals. Party Animals can rejoice that the Beer Chugging Irishman is here to stay.

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 23): Coconuts – Austin Krzeminski, RHP

The former Angels minor leaguer spent the last two years with the Bananas as a formidable closer, converting nine of 11 save opportunities last season. He has indicated he might adjust his offseason routine to transition to a starting role if needed by the Coconuts.

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 24): Clowns – Nic Wilson, RHP

Wilson, a former Friday night starter for Angelo State University and part of the 2023 Team USA collegiate national team, is expected to be a formidable presence on the mound and a strong addition to the Clowns.

Analysis of Rounds 2-3

The Coconuts executed a strong strategy in these two rounds, selecting a former collegiate star from Mississippi State followed by three players with Banana Ball experience. This approach is crucial for a new team, as adapting to Banana Ball requires more than raw talent, and the Coconuts appear to have prioritized this understanding.

The Clowns have selected only one player with prior Banana Ball experience thus far but do not lack in talent. They are expected to compensate for this with the athleticism of their selections and will surely be formidable when the season arrives.

The Tailgaters focused on strengthening their infield with power hitters and addressing pitching needs with the selection of Miller. They have significantly upgraded their pitching staff through the draft and aim to replicate the Firefighters' pitching-led success from last season.

The Bananas introduced a fresh face to bolster an offense that fell short against the Firefighters, while also retaining "Cowboy" Kyle Luigs. This reflects a balance between new talent and valuing experience and familiarity.

The Firefighters continued their strategy of acquiring Banana Ball talent, securing a back-end reliever from the Bananas who became one of the league's top pitchers after transitioning from a starter role. They also added a premier defender in Becerra from the Party Animals, who is expected to be a regular starter.

Lastly, the Party Animals maintained their approach of re-signing veteran players. All three of their picks have been returning players, underscoring their focus on maintaining team chemistry and pursuing a repeat championship.

Rounds 4 and 5: Deepening the Rosters

As the draft moved into its middle rounds, teams continued to look for a mix of professional experience, Banana Ball familiarity, and promising new talent.

Round 4

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 25): Coconuts - Jordan Brewers, 1B

A former Visitor, Brewers was the 2019 Big Ten Player of the Year at Michigan and a third-round pick for the Houston Astros, spending six years in their organization.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 26): Clowns - Niko Hulsizer, OF

Hulsizer was the No. 27 prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays organization from 2019–2023, where he tallied more extra-base hits than singles.

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 27): Tailgaters - Kyle Martin, OF

Martin brings substantial power, having hit 167 total home runs between the minor leagues and independent ball. A former Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer, he played for USC.

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 28): Bananas - Grant Besser, LHP

Besser was a 2025 Visitor who played JUCO at Southwestern State and independent baseball with Indy Tech from 2024–2025.

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 29): Firefighters - Lamar Sparks, OF

Sparks is a former fifth-round prospect who played in the Baltimore Orioles organization and the Milwaukee Brewers organization from 2023–2024.

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 30): Party Animals - Brady Kais, LHP

Kais is another familiar face, returning as a former Party Animal to maintain team continuity.

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 31): Clowns - Joe Gray, OF

Gray was the No. 7 ranked prospect for the Brewers in 2019, selected in the second round out of high school, spending 2018–2023 in the minor leagues.

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 32): Coconuts - Eric Ostberg, C

Ostberg brings extensive professional experience, having spent seven years in the Tampa Bay Rays system with 999 career plate appearances.

Round 5

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 33): Clowns - Andrew Irvine, RHP

Irvine, a right-hander from the University of Iowa, pitched in the Pirates organization from 2022–2023, posting a 4.20 ERA and featuring a mid-90s fastball.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 34): Coconuts - Will Ethridge, RHP

Ethridge was a fifth-round pick for the Colorado Rockies and a Freshman All-American at Ole Miss, where he served as a Friday night pitcher.

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 35): Tailgaters - Brett Sanchez, RHP

Sanchez was a Division III standout at Bellhaven, earning Conference of the South Pitcher of the Year honors twice.

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 36): Bananas - Trysten Levesque, LHP

Levesque, a left-hander from the University of Rhode Island, accumulated over 300 collegiate strikeouts.

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 37): Firefighters - Ga'Von Wray, RHP

A former Firefighter and a standout at Georgia Southern, Wray's return is considered a very good clubhouse move.

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 38): Party Animals - Nate Tellier, RHP

The Party Animals continued their trend, locking in another former Party Animal. Tellier was a Boston Red Sox minor leaguer from 2021–2023.

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 39): Coconuts - Andy Archer, RHP

Archer spent six years at Georgia Tech, finished his collegiate career at Hawaii, and pitched for the Bananas in 2024–2025, recording the fourth-lowest walks-per-nine-innings rate in 2025.

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 40): Clowns - Joe Lytle, C

Lytle, a former Firefighter (2024–2025) and Party Animal (2023), finished the last two months of the season hitting above .400.

The final six rounds saw teams round out their rosters, with a heavy focus on pitching depth and versatile utility players.

Round 6 (Picks 41–48)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 41): Coconuts — Zach Smith, RHP

Smith, pitched for the ACU Wildcat baseball team from Abilene.

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 42): Clowns — Daniel Foster, LHP

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 43): Tailgaters — Brett Allen, RHP

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 44): Bananas — Frankie Moscatiello, RHP

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 45): Firefighters — Zach Phillips, LHP

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 46): Party Animals — TJ Reeves, OF

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 47): Clowns — Eli Paton, INF

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 48): Coconuts — Sal Jacobo, INF

Round 7 (Picks 49–56)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 49): Clowns — Dayan Reinoso, RHP

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 50): Coconuts — CJ Williams, RHP

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 51): Tailgaters — Tyler Rigot, LHP

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 52): Bananas — Easton Parrish, C

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 53): Firefighters — Dakota McFadden, RHP

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 54): Party Animals — Sean Fluke, RHP

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 55): Coconuts — Dane Tofteland, INF

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 56): Clowns — Gage Vorhees, RHP

Round 8 (Picks 57–64)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 57): Coconuts — Kyle Perry, LHP

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 58): Clowns — Vinny Santarsiero, RHP

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 59): Tailgaters — Jonathan Hughes, RHP

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 60): Bananas — Connor Harris, RHP

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 61): Firefighters — Blake Morgan, LHP

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 62): Party Animals — Michael Ballard, INF

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 63): Clowns — Chris Burgess, C

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 64): Coconuts — Bratt Carson, UTIL

Round 9 (Picks 65–72)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 65): Clowns — Brett Maddock, RHP

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 66): Coconuts — Keegan James, RHP

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 67): Tailgaters — Joe Sperone, RHP

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 68): Bananas — Allan Saathoff, RHP

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 69): Firefighters — Darien McDowell, UTIL

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 70): Party Animals — Dylan Porter, RHP

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 71): Coconuts — Joe Filomeno, LHP

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 72): Clowns — Kirkland Banks, INF

Round 10 (Picks 73–80)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 73): Coconuts — Gideon Antle, OF

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 74): Clowns — Dale Francis Jr., UTIL

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 75): Tailgaters — Jose Gonzalez, 1B

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 76): Bananas — Jacob Bazala, RHP

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 77): Firefighters — Tyner Hughes, UTIL

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 78): Party Animals — Bronson Balholm, C

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 79): Clowns — Brian Dansereau, UTIL

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 80): Coconuts — Grady Morgan, OF

Round 11 (Picks 81–88)

Pick 1 (Overall Pick 81): Clowns — Kobe Robinson, RHP

Pick 2 (Overall Pick 82): Coconuts — JD Urso, INF

Pick 3 (Overall Pick 83): Tailgaters — Jimmy Lewis, RHP

Pick 4 (Overall Pick 84): Bananas — Bryce Grizzaffi, C

Pick 5 (Overall Pick 85): Firefighters — Mason Maxwell, UTIL

Pick 6 (Overall Pick 86): Party Animals — Riyan Rodriguez, RHP

Pick 7 (Overall Pick 87): Coconuts — Dalton Mauldin, INF

Pick 8 (Overall Pick 88): Clowns — Clark Gilmore, RHP

The Banana Ball Championship League kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, with a thrilling opening game between the Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts.