PITTSBURGH — On Friday night, the PNC Park crowd witnessed more than just baseball—it experienced a spectacle of pure joy, performance, and community pride. Among the bright lights, cheers, and the signature antics of the Savannah Bananas, Butler native Alex “Ziggy” Ziegler found himself living a dream he had nurtured since childhood.
The Savannah Bananas, known nationally for their unique brand of entertainment dubbed “Banana Ball,” brought their high-energy exhibition tour to Pittsburgh, transforming the traditional ballpark into a stage for dance routines, trick plays, and fan-first excitement. For Ziegler, affectionately known as “Ziggy,” it was more than just another stop on the tour—it was home.
As he stepped onto the same field where generations of Pirates greats once stood, Ziegler was visibly emotional. He paused, lifted his cap, and took a long look into the stands, where hundreds of familiar faces from Butler had come to watch him shine. The cheers from friends, neighbors, and family members rolled down from the upper decks like waves, wrapping him in a moment of overwhelming pride.
“I’ve been to PNC Park as a fan countless times,” Ziegler said afterward, fighting back tears. “But to walk out here in a Bananas uniform, in front of my hometown crowd, and to hear them cheering my name—that’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Bananas’ Twist on Baseball
For those unfamiliar, the Savannah Bananas have become a viral sensation in recent years. Based in Savannah, Georgia, the team has flipped baseball tradition on its head with Banana Ball, a faster-paced version of the game where rules are designed to maximize action and minimize downtime. Walks turn into sprints, foul balls into souvenirs, and batters might break into choreographed dances before stepping into the box.
But the true magic lies in the performers themselves—players like Ziegler, who balance athletic skill with crowd-pleasing charisma. Known for his jaw-dropping bat tricks, Ziggy has become one of the Bananas’ most recognizable figures. Whether he’s twirling his bat like a baton, spinning it midair with magician-like precision, or pulling off a trick throw, he embodies the playful spirit of Banana Ball.
And Pittsburgh fans got the full Ziggy experience. At one point during Friday’s exhibition, Ziegler juggled his bat and glove while making his way to the plate, drawing roars of approval from the stands. Later, he took time between innings to sign autographs for kids along the rail, many of whom wore Butler High School shirts and held handmade “Go Ziggy!” posters.
A Local Connection
Ziegler wasn’t the only Western Pennsylvania native on the field Friday. Aliquippa’s own Ryan Cox also suited up for the Bananas, giving the crowd another reason to cheer. The presence of two local standouts reinforced the deep connections between the Bananas’ entertainment-first approach and the communities they visit.
“Seeing guys from here—guys who grew up just like we did—doing what they love on a stage this big, it’s inspiring,” said Mark Reynolds, a fan from Cranberry who brought his son to the game. “My boy hasn’t stopped talking about Ziggy since we walked in. That’s the impact these players are having.”
For Ziegler, those connections run even deeper. After the game, he reflected on his journey from a kid practicing in local fields to performing in one of baseball’s most iconic venues. “Butler shaped me,” he said. “This community gave me my start, and tonight, I felt like I was giving something back. I just hope I made everyone proud.”
Beyond Baseball
While the Bananas’ stop in Pittsburgh was just one date on their expansive tour, the night carried lasting meaning for those in attendance. For kids in the crowd, it was proof that baseball can be fun, fast, and inclusive. For families, it was an evening of laughter and connection. And for Ziegler, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream mixed with the surreal joy of seeing his hometown cheer him on at the highest level.
As the fireworks closed out the night and fans streamed toward the exits, the buzz around Ziggy lingered. Many lingered by the team’s bus, hoping for one last autograph or selfie with Butler’s hometown star.
In a sport that often emphasizes statistics and standings, the Savannah Bananas—and players like Alex “Ziggy” Ziegler—remind fans of the magic of the game: its ability to unite, entertain, and inspire.
“Baseball brought me here,” Ziegler said with a smile as he left the field. “But it’s the people—the fans, the community—that make nights like this unforgettable.”
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