There is no denying the need for entertainment, either to unite us in our shared brotherhood or to comfort our fractured souls. Enter the joyful Savannah Bananas — an amusing source of baseball entertainment for the 21st century. -editor
Sports, as seen on TV or from the stands, are a form of entertainment. And if you doubt that statement, just look at the definition of the word “entertainment” :
1a: amusement or diversion provided especially by performers
hired a band to provide entertainment
1b: something diverting or engaging: such as
(1) : a public performance
Or here:
1 : amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc.
[an online definition of Entertainment, refers to it as the Act of providing Pleasure, Recreation or Amusement.]
For sure, these are attributes that are also found in the fields of comedy and music.
In my thinking, entertainment provides us with a comfortable form of escapism — a diversion. It is also a uniting force that bonds us together (fandom) to share our emotional responses (laughing /crying/ booing).
Whether entertainment is considered to be a method to control the masses or a blessing to sanctify our emotions is purely a philosophical one.
We. Need. Entertainment.
There is no denying the need for entertainment, either to unite us in our shared brotherhood or to comfort our fractured souls.
ENTERTAINMENT is a important part of the essence of our Humanity…
Baseball as Entertainment…
You know that 7th inning stretch song, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”? Many may connect it to the Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray. It’s “born on” is over a 100 years ago… as a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer.
Working our way through the 20th century, we all have some familiarity to this famous piece (“Who’s on First?”) by American comedy duo Abbott and Costello.
Note: The premise of the sketch is that Abbott is identifying the players on a baseball team for Costello.
The Naughty Nineties | Who’s on First? — Abbott and Costello
Let’s Fast Forward…
There are many examples of how the entertainment industry (AKA Hollywood) has embraced baseball. A favorite of mine is “Major League” from 1989. Mostly remembered for this scene:
Major League 1989 – Wild Thing Song – Entire Scene (HD)
And if you were wondering, that’s the Los Angeles proto-punk band X, performing a cover of The Troggs song “Wild Thing.”
Catchy and smile provoking for sure!
Fast Forward Some More…
From the 20th to the 21st century, we move into an amusing source of baseball entertainment in the form of the Savannah Bananas.
The Savannah Bananas are an exhibition barnstorming baseball team founded in 2016.
This month “The Bananas” played their touring rivals, the “Party Animals”, in a exhibition game at Citizens Park (Home of National League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies).
Although I was unable to have the privilege of witnessing this form of ENTERTAINMENT (Sport/Music/Comedy) Live, the event was captured for Reels on Facebook and Videos on Youtube. See for yourself:
My favorite bit, especially since the calendar date of the game matched the song, was the performance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s seasonal classic “SEPTEMBER.”
That’s a Wrap!
Be prepared to be amused, entertained AND perhaps educated (talking to you editor!). Many links below for you to peruse. Enjoy!
Thanks for pondering with me (us!) — Mr Pete and Annie (AKA the editor)
Bonus Clips & Links…
All 21 Trick Plays from Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park | Savannah Bananas
[RT=7+ min]
The (Improbable) History of the Savannah Bananas
[RT=15+ min]
An ESPN story from three years ago…
[RT= 7-min]
And from CBS Morning two years ago…
[RT= 5-min]
Baseball that’s gone “bananas”: A look inside the Savannah team that’s become a viral sensation
Makes you smile, right?? Well… That’s entertainment!!
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
—30—
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