I arrived early both days to interview players, observe pregame rehearsals, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the celebrations, walk-up routines, and in-game shenanigans that vary by location and team. No two Banana Ball games are the same and are even curated based on where the game takes place.
Jake School
The first player I interviewed was Jake Skole, the Triple Crown winner and league MVP. A former 15th overall pick of the Texas Rangers in 2010, Skole spent seven seasons in the minors before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he also played in two football games. He later played independent ball and spent part of a season in Australia before finding a home in Banana Ball.
Asked about his return to Frisco – where he played in the Rangers system a decade earlier – Skole said, “Any minor leaguer should count his blessings if he gets to play a season here,” praising the city, the team and management.
Skole compared his time at Georgia to performing in front of the Banana Ball crowd, saying there’s nothing better than running onto the field in front of 100,000 fans, “but the fans also bring it here every night and it always feels like a student section. To play in front of that every week is pretty special.”
On interacting with fans, Skole said making connections was not taught in professional football and the adjustment was challenging at first. “Now I want to give a fan a broken bat, or draw them, or even leave cards for them, and that’s something I would never have done if I wasn’t in this environment.”
Skole has really embraced his role, signing hundreds of autographs every day and serving as a prominent presence for the league. This illustrates how these athletes can play at the Elite level while delivering a fan-centric spectacle.
Skole was a fan-favorite franchise choice and will return to the Party Animals in 2026.
Jake Skole has put together the best season in Banana Ball history for any player on the record.
Collin Stone
I also spoke with right-hander Kollin Stone, a former pitcher from Arkansas State who came to Banana Ball after competing in Jomboy Media Warehouse blitzball events. Stone said the Warehouse games were excellent preparation for Banana Ball because both are fast-paced, fan-focused and designed to entertain in between the game action.
The transition from blitzball to baseball required adjustments. “There are definitely several things that I’ve had to almost rewire my brain for when it comes to throwing a blitzball versus throwing a baseball, and it’s tricky because I’ve had to teach and relearn myself several times how to pitch in three different styles of baseball,” Stone said.
Stone was ultimately not retained by a Banana Ball team for the upcoming season, and his next move is uncertain, although he recently participated in a blitzball, even indicating a possible return to blitzball.
Bronson ‘Bronny’ Balholm
A fan favorite, catcher Bronson “Bronny” Balholm traced his baseball roots from Little League to Arizona State and Independent Ball. Balholm credits his mother’s passion for the game and remembers being welcomed by teammates and staff as soon as he arrived in Frisco.
Reflecting on his time at Arizona State, Balholm cited coach Willie Bloomquist as an example of professionalism and pride, saying, “Willie Bloomquist was such a great example of how to approach things as a professional and do it the right way.” Regarding the difference between collegiate baseball and Banana Ball, he said, “In college there was so much pressure to perform and with that came the stress and anxiety. With Banana Ball, all that is gone and you feel like a kid in Little League again, playing with friends.”
Balholm said he is still surprised that kids now ask for his autograph instead of that of a major league player. “It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s a testimony to what we’re doing here and that we’re doing the right things and we’re on the right track.”
Balholm returns to champion Party Animals for the 2026 season.
The bigger picture
Skole, Stone and Balholm each brought different paths and perspectives, but all reflected Banana Ball’s emphasis on accessibility, fun and fan engagement. Players welcome interaction, embrace the spotlight and make fans feel like old friends.
Banana Ball is a spectacle worth seeing at least once; a unique mix of sports and entertainment that leaves fans wanting more. If the three players I spoke with are any indication, the future of the league looks bright.
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