Savannah Bananas prospect shares glimpse into tryout process
Apr 11, 2025
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - The Savannah Bananas are known as 'the greatest show in sports' for their unique brand of baseball, and for the stars of the show, they not only have to be elite athletes but elite performers.
Former minor league baseball player for the Milwaukee Brewers Organization, 30-ye
ar-old Johnnie LaRossa, hopes to master that dichotomy and earn one of the most coveted roster spots in the sports world.
"I was like, this is awesome," said LaRossa, "I love baseball. I love having fun. Last year was not fun. It just seems like the right opportunity for the right time right now."
LaRossa, a Long Island native, gave WSAV an inside look into his preparation for the tryout. He said it is nothing like he is used to, playing for several professional baseball teams since graduating college.
LaRossa will join around 30 other Banana Ball hopefuls a tryout in Kansas City at the end of May as part of a nationwide recruitment for players.
He anticipates a scrimmage and showcasing of trick plays and dances.
"I go to this facility I work out at on Long Island, and I get there at 9 a.m.," said LaRossa. "We stretch out, we throw, we hit, and in between we try out some different trick plays and fly balls and try to learn some dances and get the entertainment factor in there too."
The entertainment factor is why LaRossa said he believes he fits the bill, already cultivating 62k Tik Tok followers and creating content that combines baseball and dancing similar to the Banana Ball brand.
"It's awesome. It's great. I really love it. I really hope I make the team or one of the teams because I love entertaining already," he said, "I already have a little bit of a following on Tik Tok, so combining baseball with that is kind of right up my alley."
It is unknown at this time when the results of the May tryout will be announced.
The Savannah Bananas and Party Animals officially have additional competition as the Banana Ball League announced two new teams. ...read more read less