No, as of the current date, no Savannah Bananas player has made it to Major League Baseball (MLB).
While many talented athletes have played for the Savannah Bananas and gone on to be drafted by MLB teams, none have yet reached the pinnacle of playing in a Major League Baseball game.
The Road to MLB: Drafted vs. Playing
It's important to differentiate between being drafted by an MLB team and actually playing in a Major League Baseball game. The MLB Draft is the initial step for amateur players to join professional baseball organizations. After being drafted, players typically begin their careers in the minor league system, working their way up through various levels (e.g., Rookie ball, Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A) with the ultimate goal of reaching the Major Leagues. This journey can take several years, and only a small percentage of drafted players ever make it to the MLB.
Savannah Bananas Players Selected in the MLB Draft
The Savannah Bananas, particularly during their time as a collegiate summer league team, have seen numerous players selected in the MLB Draft. For instance, according to an announcement from the team, six former Bananas players were selected in the 2018 MLB Draft, showcasing the high caliber of talent that has passed through the team. The players mentioned as having been drafted include:
- Jameson Hannah (2016 Bananas roster)
- Adam Scott (2016 Bananas roster)
- Matt Pita (2017 Bananas roster)
- Christian Vann (2016-2017 Bananas roster)
- Logan Mattix (2017 Bananas roster)
- Brandon Purcell (2017 Bananas roster)
- Jake Kinney (2017 Bananas roster)
While these players embarked on professional careers within MLB organizations after being drafted, none from this group, or any other former Bananas player, have ultimately played in a Major League Baseball game to date.
Current Status
The Savannah Bananas transitioned from a collegiate summer league team to a professional exhibition baseball team performing "Banana Ball" full-time. While this transition offers players a unique platform and professional opportunities, the path to traditional MLB affiliation and play differs from the amateur draft system. The Major League dream remains a significant challenge that no former Banana has achieved yet.
