Reese Alexiades and DR Meadows, once focused on Major League Baseball dreams, have found an unexpected path to stardom and purpose with the Savannah Bananas. The players, who never played in minor league ball, have become key figures in the Bananas' organization, which draws massive crowds to its unique brand of baseball.
Meadows is the team's all-time leader in "trick plays," while Alexiades is known for playing in costume, including a cape. Despite the team's significant popularity, selling out MLB ballparks and playing to large crowds in football stadiums, Alexiades acknowledges that traditional baseball fans may not fully embrace their style of play.
Dispelling misconceptions, Meadows clarified that Bananas Ball games are not scripted, unlike exhibitions by teams such as the Harlem Globetrotters. "In our league, all our teams are out to win. We're very competitive," Meadows stated, noting that the Bananas recently lost two out of three games in Chicago. He emphasized that the team's primary objective is to entertain fans, connect with children, and bring smiles.
Alexiades and Meadows see themselves as role models for young players, aiming to make baseball more enjoyable. "Now kids can look up to us, and what we're all about is bringing fun to the game of baseball," Alexiades said. Meadows added that the Bananas' approach encourages less pressure and more fun in youth sports, a message he hopes resonates with young athletes.
The players recently visited a children's hospital in Tennessee, providing treats from Dairy Queen. In conjunction with Dairy Queen, a portion of sales from Blizzard Treats at select locations will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network to support local children’s hospitals. "Getting to see those kids, put a smile on their faces, bring them Blizzard Treats and enjoy those with them was super cool," Meadows commented.
For Alexiades, the journey with the Bananas represents a fulfillment beyond his initial aspirations. "The whole goal is to be able to play the game we love for as long as we can," he said. "The Bananas have given me a chance to keep going, keep playing and realize that it's for a bigger purpose now. I get to go and probably have more fun than I would have ever had if I played in the major leagues. So I'm having the time of my life, and this is exactly where God put me."