The Savannah Bananas are known for flipping baseball on its head. Their games are part circus, part comedy, part sport—and always a sellout. From dancing umpires to walk-up routines that look more like Broadway than batting practice, Banana Ball has become a national sensation, drawing millions of fans in person and online. Yet among all the antics, one player has found a way to stand out not just for his swing, but for his faith.
RobertAnthony Cruz—better known to Bananas fans as “RAC”—is using his platform on the field to share his Christian beliefs while living out his childhood dream.
“I always wanted to be a professional baseball player,” Cruz said, reflecting on his journey. “I had a chance to do that briefly in the Washington Nationals organization. I was signed in 2021 for a year before getting released. That was a tough moment, but it turned into a blessing I never expected.”
After his release, Cruz didn’t hang up his cleats. Instead, he turned to the internet, posting baseball training videos and motivational content on social media. His engaging style and positive message quickly attracted a following. What started as a way to stay connected to the sport became something much bigger.
“I started making videos on social media full-time,” Cruz explained. “And it wasn’t until a couple of years later that I would hear about the Savannah Bananas going on their tour across the United States. I wound up joining the team in December 2023, and now I’m most of the way through my second tour with the Bananas.”
Banana Ball’s Wild Twist on Tradition
At its core, Cruz says Banana Ball is still baseball—but with a twist that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
“The owner, Jesse Cole, had this vision to make baseball even more fun than it already is,” Cruz said. “Instead of cheerleaders like football, they had the Banana Nanas, which is a senior citizen dance team, and the Dad Bod Cheer Squad. They started doing really fun things from the entertainment side, and they would sell out every game.”
Banana Ball features its own unique rules: no bunting, batters can steal first base on a wild pitch, and if a fan catches a foul ball in the stands, the batter is out. The games are timed, ensuring every contest moves fast and keeps energy levels high. For Cruz, it’s the perfect marriage of baseball and showmanship.
“It’s baseball at its heart, but it’s designed to entertain every single person in the ballpark,” he said. “Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who’s never been to a game before, you’re going to walk away smiling.”
A Platform for Faith
Beyond the theatrics, Cruz has discovered something deeper in Bananaland: a platform to share his faith with thousands of fans. Known for his authenticity both on and off the field, RAC makes it a priority to integrate his Christian beliefs into his baseball journey.
“For me, it’s not just about playing the game,” Cruz explained. “It’s about pointing people toward something greater. Baseball is awesome, but it won’t last forever. Faith in Jesus—that’s eternal.”
Cruz often uses social media and his time with the Bananas to speak openly about how his faith guides him through life’s challenges. Whether it’s the disappointment of being released from an MLB organization or the pressure of performing in front of packed stadiums, he sees every moment as an opportunity to trust in God’s plan.
“I believe everything happens for a reason,” he said. “Getting released from the Nationals felt like the end of the road, but now I see it as the start of something much bigger. God had a purpose in that moment, and it led me here.”
Connecting with Fans in a Unique Way
Unlike most professional players, Cruz gets to interact with fans not only during autograph sessions but also throughout the games themselves. The Savannah Bananas encourage their players to dance, sing, and connect with the crowd at every opportunity. For Cruz, it’s a chance to combine joy, faith, and fun in a way that resonates with people of all ages.
“You get to be yourself in Bananaland,” he said. “That means I can be goofy, I can share a smile, and I can also be real about what I believe. The fans appreciate that authenticity. They see that we’re not just athletes—we’re people who care about them and want them to have an amazing experience.”
Looking Ahead
As the Savannah Bananas continue to grow their national following, Cruz hopes to expand his reach both as a ballplayer and a messenger of faith. His content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube already garners thousands of views, and he’s been able to use those platforms to encourage young athletes not to give up on their dreams—even when setbacks come.
“Baseball has given me a stage,” Cruz said. “But at the end of the day, my hope is that people walk away not just entertained, but inspired. If my story can help even one person find hope in Christ or chase their dream a little harder, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
As the Bananas continue their tours across the country—packing stadiums and rewriting the rules of baseball—RAC is proving that the game can be more than just a game. For him, it’s an opportunity to spread joy, faith, and love, one at-bat at a time.
And in Bananaland, where anything can happen, that message is hitting home
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