Savannah has plenty of reasons to cheer this week, and one of the biggest comes straight from the baseball diamond — or rather, from the showman behind it. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) has named the owner of the Savannah Bananas as its Georgian of the Year, a prestigious recognition that shines a well-deserved spotlight on one of the city’s most beloved and nationally recognized figures.
The Savannah Bananas have grown from a local baseball team into a global entertainment phenomenon, thrilling audiences across the country with their signature blend of trick plays, choreographed routines, and pure, joyful showmanship. The team has become a source of immense civic pride for Savannah, drawing fans of all ages and putting the city on the map in a way few local organizations ever have.
The GAB’s Georgian of the Year honor recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the state of Georgia. Being selected from across the entire state speaks to just how far-reaching the impact of the Savannah Bananas — and the vision of their owner — has truly been.
The recognition arrives at a moment when Savannah itself is buzzing with community spirit. Earlier this week, the city also welcomed 40 students from around the world, according to WTOC, adding an international dimension to the warm, welcoming culture that makes Savannah such a special place to live and visit.
For locals, the GAB honor is more than an award — it’s a reminder that homegrown creativity and community-centered entertainment can make a genuine difference, not just in one city, but across an entire state. Savannah is proud of its Bananas, and Georgia, it seems, is proud of Savannah right back.
