Banana Ball has made its way to Dell Diamond. It’s baseball with a twist, designed for pure entertainment.
These players draw massive crowds across the country, packing Major League Baseball and even football stadiums. This weekend is extra special for two Banana Ball players who call the Austin area home.
The newest Banana Ball team, the Texas Tailgaters, is taking over Round Rock.
It’s familiar territory for pitcher Jimmy Lewis, who graduated from Lake Travis.
“I missed P. Terry’s, the lake, all of it,” said Lewis.
And for outfielder Marcos Castillo, a Stony Point grad.
“I never thought I’d play here. You’d have to play for the Rangers,” said Castillo.
Both Marcos and Jimmy grew up with big league dreams.
Jimmy Lewis lived his, being drafted by the Dodgers in the second round straight out of high school. He chose to go pro instead of playing college ball at LSU.
After being released by the Dodgers in 2024, Lewis took his mom’s advice.
“My mom said, ‘You should try out.’ It’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” said Lewis.
Banana Ball is all about fun, with trending dances, trick plays, and fan involvement. Traditional baseball rules don’t always apply.
“The no bunting is a good one because who wants to watch bunts?” said Lewis.
While some moments are rehearsed, these players really do play.
“We are baseball players at heart and we’re just doing some cool things for the next generation,” said Castillo.