Meet the Newest Savannah Banana: Kelsie Whitmore
The Savannah Bananas are known for their dances on the diamond, lip-syncing videos, and impressive baseball tricks. Banana Ball, their fun twist on America’s favorite pastime, has taken the internet and baseball fans by storm.
While the Bananas have already brought a whole new entertaining aspect of baseball to life, they just became even more groundbreaking in a different way. They are bringing some girl power to the team with their newest addition to the roster, Kelsie Whitmore.
Kelsie is the embodiment of breaking barriers and an exciting addition to the team. The California native has had a love for the game since she could hold a bat. Obviously, she was destined for greatness.
Kelsie playing baseball as a kid (https://titanmag.fullerton.edu/spring-summer-2023/titan-in-the-outfield/)
Growing up, her community was very supportive of her playing baseball; however, Kelsie is no stranger to the negative, gender-based comments.
“She's had a lot of obstacles being a girl playing in a boy’s sport for so many years,” Scott Whitmore, her dad, told Grassroots Baseball. “Her ability to overcome those obstacles and continue to pursue and push forward is probably the most impressive thing.”
Kelsie was the first woman to play for a professional men’s team since the 1950s. Her multifaceted talents have given her opportunities within the Pacific Association, the Atlantic League, and the Pioneer League, where she continued to break gender barriers. She also helped Team USA win silver at the 2014 and 2024 Women's Baseball World Cups.
“I want to be able to create opportunities. I want to continue playing this game, but hopefully girls don’t have to go through all those things that I had to go through. I’d like to make their lives easier. Maybe all they will have to do is focus on playing and not worry about the other parts of it. I want to be the one that does it. It’s not going to be easy, but someone’s gotta do it. That’s what pushes me through and keeps me going.”
Now she’s joining the Savannah Bananas as the second female to play for the team. She has the confidence and star power that draws people to the Bananas, but there’s another aspect to her game that will impress fans.
Kelsie is one of the few two-way players, someone who excels at both offense and defense. This girl can pitch, hit, and command the outfield. She’s got it all.
Once again, the Savannah Bananas are reminding us all that baseball is for everyone, and this is exactly what we love about their organization. Kelsie made her iconic Banana Ball debut on Friday and will be touring with them through September.