The Greatest Show in Sports: Banana Ball’s New Era Hits Frisco
The Texas Tailgaters battled the Loco Beach Coconuts in Frisco. A clutch Golden Batter home run tied the game, paving the way for a thrilling Saturday night Showdown victory.
FRISCO, Texas — The Greatest Show in Sports returned to Frisco on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, and it was a smashing success. We were once again blessed to cover both games as the Texas Tailgaters saw action against one of the new teams in Banana Ball: the Loco Beach Coconuts.
I don’t take this lightly. I am forever grateful to you, the reader, and to Jesse and Emily Cole—the owners of Banana Ball—along with everyone involved for giving us this opportunity. Over 9,000 fans packed the stands each day.
Saturday was rainy and cold, forcing the teams to scramble back to their hotel for rehearsals. However, the weather didn't stop Frisco from showing up and staying on their feet for the entire 2-hour game.
I’d be lying if I said I was always crazy about Banana Ball. I definitely wasn’t at first. But seeing the behind-the-scenes effort and the sheer amount of practice put into the show gives me a deep appreciation for what these athletes do. To be clear: while the show is rehearsed, the baseball game itself is not rehearsed or choreographed- it is a legit game. These players are serious about winning.
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The Banana Ball Championship League is just getting underway, and this was my second time covering the event in Frisco. It has quickly become my favorite event to work. As a shy guy, I’ve never actually interviewed a player myself—I’ve been present for many, but I’ve only ever asked a question once during a post-game press conference at the Frisco Classic. Banana Ball is helping me work through that. Maybe one day I’ll find the words to ask a question or two.
Game Highlights
The Tailgaters entered Saturday with a 0-1 record, while the Coconuts sat at 1-0.
Saturday: It was a battle against the elements. Despite the rain, fans stayed glued to their seats and witnessed the first fan-caught foul ball of the 2026 season! Then came the magic. Trailing 4-3 with two outs in the 9th inning, the Tailgaters called on their Golden Batter. Kyle Martin stepped up and hit an absolute bomb to tie the game. That momentum carried them into the Showdown, where they secured their first win of 2026.
Sunday: The Coconuts earned their revenge in a hard-fought 5-3 battle.
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Rain has followed Banana Ball both times they’ve visited Frisco, but that isn't stopping the tour from keeping Frisco as a tour stop. On Sunday, Jesse Cole addressed the crowd, saying that they can't wait to return next season.
Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for more in-depth articles, including quotes from our interviews with the players.
The Texas Tailgaters are headed south to Round Rock this coming weekend, March 14–15, to take on the Indianapolis Clowns at Dell Diamond.
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