Savannah Bananas stars Reese Alexiades and DR Meadows have turned their baseball careers into a mission that goes far beyond the diamond. The two players, who perform in front of sold-out crowds at Major League Baseball stadiums and football venues, recently visited a children's hospital in Tennessee as part of a partnership with Dairy Queen to support Children's Miracle Network hospitals. Their work highlights a shift in focus from personal baseball ambitions to making a tangible difference in the lives of young fans.
Neither Alexiades nor Meadows followed the traditional path to professional baseball. Alexiades played college ball at Pepperdine University, while Meadows competed for Division II school Columbus State. Neither played in the minor leagues. Instead, they became stars for the Savannah Bananas, a barnstorming team known for its entertaining style of baseball called «Banana Ball.» Meadows holds the organization's all-time record for trick plays, and Alexiades is easily recognizable by the cape he wears during games.
Despite the team's popularity and ability to draw six-figure crowds, some baseball purists remain skeptical. Alexiades says that perception could change «if they came to a game and caught an out,» referring to the rule that a fan catching a foul ball results in an out. However, a common misconception is that Bananas games are scripted, akin to the Harlem Globetrotters. Meadows strongly disagrees with that characterization. «There's a huge difference. In our league, all our teams are out to win. We're very competitive,» Meadows said in a recent interview. «Just this past weekend, we lost two out of three in Chicago against the Firefighters, and our guys were not happy.» He added that the bigger picture is «to put on a show for the fans, break down the wall for the kids there and put smiles on faces. That's what makes Banana Ball beautiful.»
The players are aware that they have become role models for a new generation. «One of the big reasons why I fell in love with baseball is looking up to other players. Now kids can look up to us, and what we're all about is bringing fun to the game of baseball,» Alexiades said. «Kids being able to see us and see how much fun we have, that's what it's all about. We try to be the best role models we can be for kids because the kids are what it's all about.» Meadows noted that Bananas players are now appearing on lists of favorite players at the Little League World Series. «To know we have that kind of platform — and like Reese was saying, it all comes from having fun, playing the game and having fun. Youth sports these days should be less pressure and a lot more fun,» he said.
The charity initiative with Dairy Queen is a natural extension of that philosophy. For every Blizzard purchased at select locations on a designated day, at least one dollar is donated to Children's Miracle Network, which supports local children's hospitals. Alexiades and Meadows recently visited a hospital in Tennessee to distribute treats and spend time with patients. «That's the beauty of our platform and this partnership: We can really make an impact, and so can other people,» Alexiades said. Meadows added, «Getting to see those kids, put a smile on their faces, bring them Blizzard Treats and enjoy those with them was super cool. The amount of joy DQ brings and the Bananas bring – it all made sense.»
For Alexiades, the journey has been deeply personal. He reflected on being turned away from other opportunities in baseball and how the Bananas gave him a chance to keep playing. «The whole goal is to be able to play the game we love for as long as we can. A lot of us, me included, and people in this organization have been told no at some point in their careers. The Bananas have given me a chance to keep going, keep playing and realize that it's for a bigger purpose now,» he said. «I get to go and probably have more fun than I would have ever had if I played in the major leagues. So I'm having the time of my life, and this is exactly where God put me.»
