Savannah has plenty of reasons to celebrate this week, and one of the biggest is the recognition of a hometown hero who has put the city on the map in a uniquely joyful way. Jesse Cole, the visionary owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas, has been named the 2026 Georgian of the Year — a prestigious honor that reflects just how much one person’s passion and creativity can lift an entire community.
Cole was presented with the award in Grayson, Georgia, according to reports from both WJCL and WTOC. The recognition caps what has been a remarkable run for Cole and the Bananas, the trick-shot, entertainment-first baseball team that began on the diamonds of Savannah and grew into a global phenomenon, selling out arenas and stadiums across the country and beyond.
For Savannah residents, the honor feels deeply personal. Cole didn’t just build a baseball team — he built a brand of joy that carries the city’s name wherever the Bananas travel. From their early days at Grayson Stadium in Savannah’s Victoriaville neighborhood to headline-grabbing tours that have thrilled millions of fans worldwide, Cole’s relentless commitment to fun, community, and showmanship has made the Savannah Bananas one of the most talked-about sports entertainment acts on the planet.
The Georgian of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the state of Georgia, and Cole’s impact is hard to overstate. By keeping the Bananas rooted in Savannah’s identity even as the team’s fame has soared, he has helped shine a bright, yellow-clad spotlight on the Hostess City for years running.
Savannah can take pride in knowing that one of its own is being celebrated not just locally, but statewide — and that the spirit of fun and community that Cole champions every single night reflects the very best of what this city has to offer. Congratulations, Jesse Cole, on a well-deserved honor!
