Podcast Summary: “Savannah Bananas Owner Jesse Cole Joins PLUS Our All-Time HR Squad & Coach/Director Rage”

Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this engaging episode of “Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara,” hosts Matt Leinart, a former Heisman Trophy winner, and Jerry Ferrara, known for his role in Entourage, delve into a vibrant discussion encompassing sports, entertainment, family life, and innovative approaches to fan engagement. The episode features a special guest, Jesse Cole, the visionary founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, who shares his inspiring journey of transforming baseball into a non-stop entertainment spectacle.

1. Welcoming Back and Personal Updates

• [00:00] Matt Leinart kicks off the conversation with a humorous take on altering traditional baseball rules to make the game more exciting, particularly criticizing bunting: “If you bunt are thrown out of the game, like literally, that's a rule. If you bunt are thrown out of the game, no one bunts.”

• [00:29] Jerry Ferrara shares his recent experiences, highlighting the rejuvenating effect of taking a couple of weeks off: “A couple of weeks off... I just felt like we've been chilling for two weeks.”

• [00:57] Jesse Cole reflects on his fondness for lake vacations, sharing nostalgic memories and the importance of these moments for his family: “It's my happy place. So I grew up... our favorite vacation again.”

2. Family Adventures and Unexpected Challenges

• [02:25] Jesse Cole recounts a tense moment during a Fourth of July lake outing when his five-year-old son, Kayson, was injured: “One of our friend's daughters kicked him in the face... he's got a big old slash cut here.”

• [03:08] The conversation highlights parental instincts and responses to child injuries, with Jerry noting his methodical approach: “I bring the blue tent out. I run the concussion test.”

• [04:04] Jesse emphasizes the resilience of his son while discussing the balance between calmness and urgency in parental roles: “He is an absolute freaking monster. But psych trip. Amazing.”

3. Spotlight on Savannah Bananas and Guest Introduction

• [06:24] Jerry Ferrara introduces Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas, praising his innovative approach to making baseball entertaining: “They are blowing up. ... how do I make baseball fun?”

• [07:04] Jesse Cole elaborates on his vision for the Savannah Bananas, focusing on fan interaction and creating a lively, competitive atmosphere: “How do we make it shorter? What can we do to interact the fans with the game?”

4. The Genesis and Evolution of Savannah Bananas

• [24:45] Matt Leinart delves into the origins of the Savannah Bananas, detailing the initial struggles and creative endeavors that led to the team’s unique identity: “We launched a brand new team in Savannah... sleeping on an airbed, grocery shopping, which is $30 a week.”

• [25:21] Jesse Cole shares his experiences working tirelessly to infuse entertainment into baseball, inspired by figures like Walt Disney: “I started reading every book from, you know, PT Barnum and Walt Disney because I was like, we can't just be a baseball team. We gotta make it fun.”

• [26:09] The hosts discuss pivotal moments, such as Jesse’s proposal in front of a sold-out crowd, symbolizing both personal and professional milestones: “I proposed in front of a sold out crowd and stopped the game. Fireworks show in the middle of the game.”

5. Innovating Baseball: Banana Ball and Fan Engagement

• [28:04] Matt and Jesse explore the concept of Banana Ball, an innovative approach to baseball designed to eliminate what they perceive as the game’s boring elements: “We played nine innings in 99 minutes our first game. And the players, that was the most fun they've ever had.”

• [32:39] Jesse discusses the integration of entertainment into live games, emphasizing the creation of unforgettable moments that keep fans engaged until the very end: “Our players celebrate everything. Singles, doubles, triples, Unbelievable. Big. You saw it, they're dancing and celebrating.”

• [35:57] A trivia segment engages listeners with questions about left-handed pitchers, showcasing the hosts' blend of sports knowledge and playful competition: “There's only four left-handed pitchers ever to reach 3,000 Ks. Kershaw obviously being the fourth.”

6. Future Endeavors: Banana Ball Championship League

• [48:15] Jesse and Matt discuss the upcoming Banana Ball Championship League, outlining plans to expand the league with new teams and innovative formats to sustain growth and fan interest: “We're starting our league next year, Banana Ball Championship League, with six teams and we're going to play all over the country.”

• [49:26] Matt shares his passion for creating nonstop entertainment, drawing parallels with successful creatives who excel in their domains by being prolific and innovative: “We want to be prolific with creating new ideas every single night and doing things people have never seen before on a baseball field.”

7. Personal Moments and Emotional Reflections

• [41:25] Matt reflects on memorable moments that encapsulate the mission of the Savannah Bananas, emphasizing the emotional connections and purpose behind their efforts: “It's the feeling of purpose that you've made an impact to bring people together for joy, for fun, for something good.”

• [43:48] Jesse highlights the accessibility and interactive elements of Banana Ball, sharing how the team's initiatives resonate with both children and families, fostering a love for baseball through immersive experiences: “Players are meeting people, having fun. It's those moments that matter.”

8. Audience Interaction and Mailbag Segment

• [59:42] Jesse shares a memorable incident involving Coach Denny Green during a high-stakes game, illustrating the intensity and emotional highs associated with sports leadership: “Denny Green is going off... one of the most quotable ones for sure.”

• [63:02] Jerry Ferrara discusses a behind-the-scenes meltdown during a filming session, highlighting the pressures faced by directors and the importance of teamwork: “The kid just crumbled because we could not get it. He just collapsed because we could not get the shot.”

9. Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

• [75:00] Jesse contemplates future coaching opportunities, expressing interest in mentoring his sons and fostering their passion for football, while also emphasizing the importance of proper technique and supportive coaching: “The highest level that I feel like I could coach and coach well and have fun is high school.”

• [76:47] The hosts wrap up the episode with heartfelt acknowledgments, anticipating future collaborations and sharing enthusiasm for upcoming events: “Shout outs to Jesse Cole again. Awesome episode. Hopefully I'll be seeing you in Pittsburgh and Matt. It's good to be back, bro.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Leinart [00:00]: “If you bunt are thrown out of the game, like literally, that's a rule. If you bunt are thrown out of the game, no one bunts.”

• Jesse Cole [44:45]: “That was a moment... it's about the connection with the kids, with the fans.”

• Matt Leinart [38:27]: “Most people are afraid of what people think or what they're going to say. No, just do it and learn and then get to that next at bat.”

• Jesse Cole [71:14]: “It's hard to teach 5, 6, 7 year olds like proper technique, tackling technique.”

• Matt Leinart [50:18]: “I'll try to leave it for everyone else. I'll try to create the platform for everyone else to have those moments.”

Conclusion

This episode masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes, professional insights, and innovative ideas, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of sports entertainment. Jesse Cole's journey with the Savannah Bananas serves as an inspiring testament to the power of creativity and passion in transforming traditional sports into captivating fan experiences. Meanwhile, Matt and Jerry provide relatable narratives and thoughtful discussions, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.