BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Northwest Ohio’s own KJ Jackson is earning national attention as one of the breakout players for the Savannah Bananas — and next year, the wildly popular “Banana Ball World Tour” will bring him back to familiar territory with stops in Cincinnati, Detroit, and Cleveland.
Jackson, a 2019 Bowling Green High School graduate and Kent State University standout, joined the Bananas in 2024 after a strong four-year college career in which he hit .275 with 23 home runs and 98 RBI. The 23-year-old infielder—known for his energy and versatility—has quickly become a fan favorite as the Bananas’ national following continues to surge.
What is Banana Ball?
Banana Ball is a faster, entertainment-focused version of baseball that’s captured attention across the country and on social media. Games are capped at two hours, innings are scored by points rather than total runs, bunting is banned, and fans catching a foul ball can record an out. The goal: nonstop action, no downtime, and plenty of crowd participation.
The concept has been a runaway success. Every Banana Ball game has sold out since 2016, with demand now far exceeding ticket supply. Tickets for the 2026 tour are available only through a lottery system, open until October 31, 2025, giving fans a random chance at access to what has become one of the toughest tickets in sports.
2026 Banana Ball World Tour stops in Ohio and Michigan
The Bananas’ 2026 schedule includes 75 stadiums in 45 states, with several Midwest dates that will put KJ Jackson back near his hometown crowd:
- Cincinnati — Great American Ball Park: June 19–21, 2026 (Indianapolis Clowns vs. Savannah Bananas)
- Detroit — Comerica Park: Saturday, September 19 — Party Animals vs. Firefighters
- Cleveland — Progressive Field: Friday, September 25 — Party Animals vs. Indianapolis Clowns
Other major venues on the 2026 tour include Globe Life Field in Texas, Coors Field in Denver, Yankee Stadium in New York, and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts—underscoring the team’s shift from a local novelty to a nationwide sports attraction.
Where to watch
Banana Ball continues to expand its reach on television and streaming. Select games air on ESPN and ESPN2, with coverage also available on Disney+ and ESPN+, where the behind-the-scenes docuseries Bananaland follows the team’s tour.
For fans across Bowling Green and Northwest Ohio, the 2026 season will be a special opportunity to watch one of their own shine under the bright lights — a reminder that hometown talent like KJ Jackson can turn small-town roots into big-league moments.
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