AVON, Conn. (WFSB) – Connor Harris is living a dream he never knew he had, joining the viral Savannah Bananas as their newest pitcher.
“I’m about to live the dream I never knew I had,” Harris said.
The Avon native was drafted to the professional baseball team that sells out the biggest stadiums in the country with their entertaining style of play called “Banana Ball.”
Harris’s path to professional baseball was not typical. After pitching at George Washington University and then Winthrop University, he was recruited to the Bananas.
“My coach says come into my office Connor, I have some great news. So he says that a scout called me about you. I said here it is, my dream. It’s finally coming true I’m going to play in the MLB. So I said what team? And he said the Savannah Bananas and now the rest is history,” Harris said.
Harris came home from the hospital as a baby in a Yankees outfit, showing his lifelong love of baseball. While the Bananas may not be the Yankees, they have created their own unique brand of entertainment baseball.
“When I got drafted, that feeling with my whole family was incredible and it was a moment that I will never forget,” Harris said.
Since being drafted, Harris has been learning the ins and outs of Banana Ball, which includes dancing and entertaining fans.
“I’ve been working on a little dance that I do. I call it little side kick and hopefully that’ll catch on. I see some kids on social media doing it already,” Harris said.
Harris has gained social media attention through TikTok videos featuring his family, particularly his grandmother.
“There’s no one more important than my family. I’m very blessed to be able to feature them in a lot and share with the world how special they are,” Harris said.
Harris’s parents threw a celebration party at the Iron Horse in Unionville to honor their son’s achievement.
“He’s so deserving of all of this and he is such a loving, kind, caring, hardworking, awesome baseball player,” said Sharon Harris, Connor’s mother.
His father, Steve Harris, who doubled as his baseball coach for years, praised his character.
“For the two of us as his parents to see what he’s become, yes he’s an unbelievable 6′8 pitcher who throws the ball great. But it’s more so about who he is as a man,” Steve Harris said.
Harris heads to Savannah in the new year ahead of the 2026 Banana Ball World Tour, which will include a stop at Yankee Stadium.
When asked how it will feel to play at Yankee Stadium, Harris said, “It still hasn’t sunk in for me.”
Beyond baseball, Harris serves as a mentor in his community, often attending Avon Little League games and visiting local schools to encourage kids to follow their dreams.
“It means everything to be given this platform to impact the world in such a positive way and I don’t take it lightly. I won’t let anyone down. I’m going to keep working, keep doing everything the right way,” Harris said.
Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.