David Griffin, 29, pitched for Hanover High and Curry College. Now, he’s stepping into a wild new chapter after getting drafted into the Banana Ball Championship League.
The Indianapolis Clowns picked Griffin in the second round. This team revives a legendary Negro League franchise, and Griffin will team up with MLB veteran Jackie Bradley Jr., who was the league’s first overall pick.
Honestly, it’s a pretty exciting move. Griffin’s now right at the front of baseball’s most innovative, entertainment-driven experiment—one that’s grabbing attention all over the country.
The Rise of Banana Ball
Banana Ball isn’t just baseball. The Savannah Bananas launched it in 2018, and it’s become a full-on performance.
They mix high-energy play with wild rules, choreographed dances, and tons of fan interaction. The whole thing flips the usual ballpark experience on its head.
Entertainment Meets Athletics
Traditional baseball can drag, but Banana Ball moves fast. Players dance, pull off trick plays, and even chat with fans in the stands between innings.
The whole point? Make baseball a show you can’t forget, not just another game.
The league’s got six teams now:
- Savannah Bananas – The original rule-breakers.
- Party Animals – Always the wildest on the field.
- Firefighters – They represent grit and teamwork.
- Texas Tailgaters – Southern spirit and fierce competition.
- Loco Beach Coconuts – Masters of the tropical party vibe.
- Indianapolis Clowns – A classic name, back for a new era.
The Indianapolis Clowns Return
The Clowns once drew crowds as one of the most famous barnstorming teams in Negro League history. They mixed top-tier talent with comedy and entertainment.
Now, they’re back, working with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to blend baseball’s heritage with a fresh, modern twist.
David Griffin’s New Journey
Griffin’s road to the Clowns shows off his competitive edge and adaptability. He played independent ball with the Long Island Ducks and spent time with the Mets’ Triple-A team.
He considered some overseas options, but in the end, Banana Ball’s challenge won him over. It’s a mix of performance, sportsmanship, and genuine connection with fans—right up his alley, apparently.
Last season with the Ducks, Griffin put up these numbers:
- Record: 6–4
- ERA: 4.03
- Strikeouts: 92 in 102⅔ innings
The Clowns will count on that kind of consistency this season.
Banana Ball World Tour 2026
The league isn’t staying local. In 2026, the “Banana Ball World Tour” is set to hit iconic stadiums like Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, and Fenway Park.
They’ll even take over football and multi-sport venues—think the Superdome and Gillette Stadium. It’s wild to see Banana Ball break through those old boundaries.
Tour Highlights and Local Fans
New England fans, heads up: Griffin and the Clowns will play July 23–25, 2026, at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut. That’s probably the closest shot for Massachusetts folks to catch the show live.
Expect a crowd. People are itching to see baseball and entertainment collide like this.
Impact on Modern Baseball Culture
Banana Ball’s quick rise says a lot about what fans want now. Younger crowds especially crave experiences that pull them in and let them interact.
Some old-school purists might grumble about the loose rules and showbiz, but honestly? The packed stands—from Fenway to tiny town fields—prove there’s something here people love.
Griffin’s Role in the Movement
By joining the Indianapolis Clowns, Griffin isn’t just extending his career. He’s stepping into a real cultural shift.
His background in competitive play means he’ll bring some much-needed athletic credibility to a team that’s always balanced skill with spectacle. In doing this, he nods to the Clowns’ historic roots and quietly pushes baseball’s boundaries in the 21st century.
Banana Ball feels like a new chapter for fans and players—a weird but fascinating mix of history, entertainment, and athleticism. With David Griffin in the league, it’s hard not to wonder what this hybrid game will look like in a few years.
Here is the source article for this story: South Shore pitcher drafted into Savannah Bananas’ Championship League
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