Savannah Bananas Star Frankie Moscatiello Returns to Long Island for Annual Oyster Fest

Frankie Moscatiello, known for his "Long Island Italian guy" persona on the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team, is returning to his home turf this weekend to participate in Oyster Bay's annual Oyster Fest at Theodore Roosevelt Park.

Moscatiello, a native of Rocky Point, has become a recognizable figure within the popular baseball entertainment team, often sporting an Italian flag headband. "Everybody on the team kind of has their own character. ... I really bought into the Long Island Italian guy from New York," Moscatiello told The Post.

He joined the Savannah Bananas a year ago after a career in independent league and overseas baseball, including a stint with the Long Island Ducks. Moscatiello mentioned that the financial prospects in independent baseball were not ideal, and after eight years, he had considered retiring from playing professionally at age 30 to pursue a more traditional career.

However, a suggestion from a friend led him to a Bananas tryout in Dallas. The audition evaluated not only his baseball skills but also his ability to perform as a dancer. Moscatiello successfully made the team, finding a more financially rewarding opportunity.

Fans, particularly in the Northeast, have embraced his on-field persona. Moscatiello expressed his enthusiasm for his current role, stating, "I love it. I say it every day: It’s the best job in the world, and I believe that wholeheartedly."