What if banana ball held the secret to building a business culture that fans can’t stop talking about?
This episode takes you inside the world of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has turned baseball upside down by creating banana ball, a fast-paced, joy-filled experience that keeps fans lining up for more. And the lessons go way beyond sports. You’ll see how putting customers first, eliminating friction, and daring to innovate can transform your own organization just like it did for theirs.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
-
How banana ball grew from one small experiment into a nationwide phenomenon.
-
Why “fans first” thinking is the mindset shift every leader needs.
-
Practical ways to build culture, spark innovation, and scale without losing your edge.
Press play now to learn how the bold moves behind banana ball can inspire you to reinvent your own playbook for success.
The Rise of Banana Ball
00:00 – Welcome to the show
Jim introduces the episode and sets the stage for a conversation about innovation, leadership, and the rise of banana ball with Tyler Gilliam, head coach of the Savannah Bananas.
05:12 – Reinventing the game
Tyler explains how the Bananas stopped calling it baseball and leaned into banana ball, a faster, more entertaining version of the game that fans instantly connected with.
09:45 – From small test to big tour
What began as a one-city experiment quickly snowballed into a nationwide tour, proving that banana ball could fill stadiums across the country.
15:20 – Fans first philosophy
The team’s guiding principle, “fans first,” shapes everything—from ticketing to food bundles—removing friction and making banana ball unlike any other sports experience.
21:10 – Fan involvement on the field
Tyler describes how rules like foul balls caught by fans counting as outs give audiences a chance to shape the game and make banana ball even more interactive.
Culture, Innovation, and Leadership
28:05 – Recruiting the right talent
The Bananas look for athletes who are both skilled and entertaining, making sure every banana ball player fits the unique culture of the team.
35:30 – Creating unforgettable moments
From backflip catches to live music by players, Tyler shares how the Bananas ensure every night of banana ball delivers joy and surprise.
42:50 – Scaling without losing culture
As the team expands into new cities, Tyler discusses how they’re protecting the “fans first” culture while growing the footprint of banana ball nationwide.
47:30 – Lessons for business leaders
Jim and Tyler draw parallels between scaling sports entertainment and scaling a company, showing how the principles behind banana ball can inspire any leader.
55:00 – Vision for the future
Tyler reveals the big dream: Banana Land, a Disney-like destination built around the magic of banana ball, where joy and culture are the main attractions.
About Tyler Gillum
Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who’s dedicated his life to helping others believe in themselves and chase their biggest dreams. His mantra, “Bet on Yourself” isn’t just a phrase, it’s how he lives, leads, and speaks.
From growing up on the rodeo circuit to leading the Savannah Bananas as Head Coach, his journey has been built on resilience, vision, and servant leadership. He has seen firsthand what happens when you bet on yourself, and more importantly, what happens when you help others do the same.