Savannah Bananas Peel the Banana 2016 Roster

Savannah Bananas Announce Full 2016 Roster

SAVANNAH, GA. May 27, 2016 – The Savannah Bananas are excited to announce the highly anticipated roster for the 2016 season. Both veterans and underclassmen from Division I schools across the country have committed to playing with the Bananas for their inaugural season.

Joining previously announced pitchers Garrett Lovorn, Addison Albright, Adam Goodman, and Drew Moody are Sam Fichthorn (So. RHP Dartmouth), Paul Kirkpatrick (So. RHP Western Kentucky), Marcus McKoy (Fr. LHP Winston Salem State), Steve Theetge (Fr. LHP Bryant), Greg Hollman (So. RHP Savannah State), Jacob Howell (Jr. RHP Delta State), Adam Scott (So. LHP Wofford), and Coby Weaver (Fr. LHP Dallas Baptist).

“Our pitching staff is sure to have success this summer, especially against wood bats. Our philosophy on the bump is simple; I want to see them compete every single pitch, every single inning, and every single game all summer long,” said Coach Sean West.

Middle Infielders include Jeff Nellis (Jr. Long Beach State), Christian Hollie (So. UTA), Cal Baker (Jr. GA Southern), Rylan Bannon (So. Xavier), and Clay Dungan (Fr. Indiana State).

In addition to Logan Moody, Garrett Nelson (Fr. 1B/OF Long Beach State) and Angel Camacho (Fr. 3B Jacksonville U.) will be joining the roster as utility players.

For outfielders, the Bananas have signed Josh Ragan (Fr. Dallas Baptist), Jameson Hannah (Fr. Dallas Baptist), Will LaRue (So. Xavier), Connor Stephens (Fr. Jacksonville U.), Jackson Ware (So. Mercer), and previously announced Nick Choruby.

“Grayson Stadium is a large ballpark, so we will force the other team to beat us with their bats and will rely on the speed of our OF’s to cover ground and track balls down,” comments West, “We will have the fastest OF in the league. Three of our OF’s run a 6.5 second 60 yard dash, which is flying! Our remaining OF’s are also 6.7/8, which is moving as well.”

Adam Gauthier (RS Jr. Dartmouth) and Joey Thomas (So. Cincinatti) will be joining Dayne Sommer at catcher.

Rounding out the roster are temps Elliot Forde (RHP Misericordia), Hunter Bening (1B Mercer), Tanner Johnson (OF Denison), Josh Knies (RHP Mercer), Ryan Wieligman (MI Cowley County JC), Ryan Hagen (MI Mercer), Jesse Bogacz (LHP Kenyon), Ryan Flores (RHP Richland JC), Beau Sulser (RHP Dartmouth), Kyle Rogalski (RHP Miseridcordia), Clint Hardy (UTL Augusta U.), Christian Vann (LHP Chatt Valley), and previously announced Braden Shewmake.

West also expects the team to be strong on offense, “We will be amongst the league leaders in stolen bases, and fans will see their Bananas playing small ball, especially early in the game.”

Not only are these players great athletes, they are also upstanding members of their communities. They plan on immersing themselves in Savannah’s unique culture and contributing to their summer home through community service projects. Says West, “All of our players are quality young men that will not only represent their families well, but their coaches, respected universities, and in return, the great city of Savannah.”

The Savannah Bananas team will be available for a special meet and greet at the Fan Fest on May 30^th at Grayson Stadium from 5:00-7:00PM with members entrance at 4:00PM.  The Fan Fest is free with free food and free Sun Country Amusements Fun Zone for kids.

Opening Night is set for June 2^nd and very limited tickets remain.  For more information and to purchase tickets fans can visit www.TheSavannahBananas.com or call 912-712-2482.

The Savannah Bananas are owned by Fans First Entertainment who also owns and operates the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League.  The Grizzlies have led the league in attendance the past three seasons, been named Organization of the Year and recognized regionally and nationally for unique from promotions and their fan experience.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 82 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.

Basketball Finals Moving to UGA & Georgia Tech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 26, 2016

GHSA ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR 2017 GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL FINALS

University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to Share Hosting Duties

THOMASTON, GA. – The Georgia High School Association, in conjunction with the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, today announces that agreements have been reached allowing the two schools to share the hosting of the sixteen championship games of the 2017 GHSA state basketball tournament. These March 2017 games will mark the return of the basketball finals to Georgia Tech for the first time since 2003 and will be the first ever for the University of Georgia.

"The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech have two of the premier basketball complexes in the state," said GHSA Executive Director Gary Phillips.  "Both schools worked tirelessly with the GHSA to devise a schedule that eliminates any conflict between the state championship games and the Bulldogs’ and Yellow Jackets’ own use of these marvelous facilities.  The primary goal of the GHSA is to promote the best interests of Georgia’s high school student-athletes, and we are thrilled at the experience these venues will offer to the teams, their schools, and their fans."

UGA's Stegeman Coliseum will host eight championship games on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9, 2017.  Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion will be the site of the eight remaining championship games on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, 2017.  The first of the four games on each day will tip-off at 2:00 p.m.  The specific order and facility assignment for the sixteen championship games have not yet been determined. 

Teya Ryan, President and CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting said, "For more than 20 years GPB has been an enthusiastic supporter of Georgia's high school athletics. The relocation of the high school basketball state championships will give the students the opportunity to play on the storied courts of the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets.  All of us at GPB wish the GHSA continued success with the move."

About the GHSA

The GHSA is a voluntary organization composed of over 450 public and private high schools. The GHSA strives to promote education in Georgia from a mental, physical, and moral viewpoint; to standardize and encourage participation in high school athletics; and to promote sportsmanship and an appreciation for and study of music, speech, and other fine arts through Region and State competitions.

CONTACTS

Steve Figueroa, GHSA Director of Media Relations (stevefig@ghsa.net or 706-647-7473 Ext. 26)

Baseball Hotdogs Apple Pie and Bananas

  

Bananas Announce Food Items for 2016 Season

SAVANNAH, GA. May 24, 2016 – The Bananas are proud to announce the amazing food items being served at Historic Grayson Stadium for the 2016 season.

For the popular All You Can Eat tickets, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy all beef Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Popcorn, Coke Products as well as Byrd's Famous Cookies for dessert.   Byrd's Famous Scotch Oatmeal Cookies will not only be available for All You Can attendees but bags of 12 will be sold in all of the concession stands.  

The Garbage Can Nachos will be introduced for the first time to Savannah on Opening Night.  This large offering will feed a family of whatever and includes 3 orders of Nachos, 2 Cheeseburgers, 2 Hot Dogs, Grilled Chicken, Chili, Nacho Cheese, Jalapenos and 2 Bananas all served on a giant Garbage Can Lid!  It's Heart-Stoppingly Delicious!

Yes, Bananas will be available throughout the ballpark for $1!  Frozen Chocolate Bananas will also be available in the snack stand along with Snow Cones, Pretzels, Ice Cream, Cotton Candy and more!

A specialty banana liquor drink will be available called the Slippery Banana in the craft corner and Beer Deck!

Marcos Pizza will available in the corner stand and will offer Cheese, Pepperoni and Banana Pepper pizza.

Vegetarian options will be available at the stadium including Veggie Dogs and Veggie Burgers.

A wide variety of craft beer will be available throughout the ballpark including in the Craft Corner as well as the brand new Can Cave on the first base grandstand. Local favorites will be available from Service Brewing Company, Moon River and Coastal Empire.  Famous Craft Breweries such as Dogfish Head, Bell's, Stone, Highland, Victory, Lagunitas will be offering some of their most popular selections!

Mainstays like French Fries, Regular Nachos, Cracker Jack and Peanuts will be available throughout the ballpark as well.

Opening Night is set for June 2nd. To guarantee tickets to Opening Night and all four of the fireworks games, the Savannah Bananas introduced the five-game plan for the 2016 season. All five game plan tickets include All You Can Eat Chicken Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Dessert, Soda and Water for only $15 a ticket. For more information and to purchase the five-game plan, fans can visit www.TheSavannahBananas.com or call 912-712-2482.

 The Savannah Bananas are owned by Fans First Entertainment who also owns and operates the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League.  The Grizzlies have led the league in attendance the past three seasons, been named Organization of the Year and recognized regionally and nationally for unique from promotions and their fan experience.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20^th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 85 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball. 

Savannah Bananas Press Release - Marie Gentry - Director of Partner Services

You need a Savannah Banana this Summer. They are Free!

You need a Savannah Banana this Summer. They are Free and how do you get a free Savannah Banana? Be a a host family. By hosting a Savannah Bananas player is a great opportunity for you and your family this summer! 

These college athletes will arrive the last week of May and return home the first or second week of August. They also make a great role model for your children. While pursuing their dreams, they also understand the importance of education as they are students and athletes of national universities. For these young men, it helps to have some sense of normalcy while being far from home. To host a "summer son" or Banana they only ask for families to provide a bedroom, access to a bathroom and access to laundry.
Players will have their own cars to drive to and from the stadium. If they do not, we will make arrangements for players to live close so that they can ride together. We also provide meals for the players. Of course leaving snacks and including the player in some home meals while they are there is much appreciated, it is not required. Families will receive two General Admission Membership tickets, which include all you can eat, to cheer on your Banana! If you, or anyone you know, is interesting in Hosting a Savannah Bananas player this summer, contact Lizzy O'Connell at lizzy@thesavannahbananas.com and remember GO BANANAS!

SAVANNAH BANANAS ANNOUNCE FAN FEST

SAVANNAH BANANAS ANNOUNCE FAN FEST

SAVANNAH, GA. May 19, 2016 – The Savannah Bananas are excited to announce that the team will host their Fan Fest at Grayson Stadium on May 30^th from 4:00-7:00PM.  The event is free for the community with free admission, free food and free entries into the Sun Country Amusements Kid Zone.  All members & ticket package holders will be allowed in the ballpark at 4:00PM and the general public of will be allowed in at 5:00PM.

This event will be the first time for the community to meet the Bananas players and coaches as well as see all the changes to Grayson Stadium.   The Players will be practicing on the field and then available for autographs and meet and greet with all the fans.

The Walk of Fame and Grayson Stadium historical timeline will be unveiled for the first time honoring the history of the ballpark and the greatest players to ever have visited the stadium.

The Sun Country Amusements Kids Zone will be open for kids to play on the Bounce House, Slide and Obstacle Course.   The Bananas staff will be in the Dunk Tank for fans to get a chance to dunk the Bananas.

Food will be available for free for all fans to try at the ballpark.

“We are so excited to introduce the Bananas to the community with our first ever Fan Fest,” said Owner Jesse Cole.  “What could be better than Free Admission, Free Food, and Free Kids Zone passes to kick off this season at Grayson Stadium.   We are so appreciative of this community for embracing us and we can’t wait to unveil this new brand and team to Savannah.” 

The Banana stand will be open offering all new Bananas merchandise including the new game jerseys.

Opening Night is set for June 2^nd.  To guarantee tickets to Opening Night and all four of the fireworks games, the Savannah Bananas introduced the five game plan for the 2016 season. All five game plan tickets include All You Can Eat Chicken Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Dessert, Soda and Water for only $15 a ticket.   For more information and to purchase the five game fans can visit www.TheSavannahBananas.com or call 912-712-2482.

The Savannah Bananas are owned by Fans First Entertainment who also owns and operates the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League.  The Grizzlies have led the league in attendance the past three seasons, been named Organization of the Year and recognized regionally and nationally for unique from promotions and their fan experience.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20^th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 81 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.

Savannah Bananas Press Release - Marie Gentry - Director of Partner Services

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week - St. Andrew's School Tennis Player Jack Wylly 5.14.2016

Jack Wylly Tennis 

St. Andrew’s School Savannah GA

Wylly, a freshman at St. Andrew’s School, went undefeated this year in tennis as the number 1 singles player, 7-0, and he did not lose a set. Jack then would turn around and went 6 -1 in doubles as part of the Lions number one doubles team. 

In the classroom, Wylly maintains a 3.8 grade-point average. Outside of the prep tennis season, Jack is the 11th ranked freshman in Georgia by tennisrecruiotng.com. St. Andrew’s Athletic Director Doug Dixon said, "He is a hardworking, disciplined, determined dedicated committed athlete, which is a pleasure to coach." 

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week- Savannah Christian Preparatory School Baseball Player senior Ben Haeussler 5.07.2016

Ben Haeussler Baseball 
Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Ben, a senior pitcher and outfielder at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS), went 2 -3 and had two runs batted in to help the Raiders avoid being eliminated in the GHSA Class "A" Private Schools quarterfinal against Mount de Sales Academy on April29th. SCPS went on to win the series and advanced to the state semifinals. Ben batted .476 and finished with a 5-2 recorded on the mound with an era of 2.25 for the 2016 season.

Haeussler is also a standout on the Raider football and basketball teams, which qualified him as an Ashley Dearing Award finalist finishing third in the balloting. Ben has been named an All-Region football player, basketball, and baseball player as well as being named to the All Savannah Morning News 1st team football and baseball teams. Off the field of play, Haeussleer has maintained A’s and B’s in the classroom. Head Football Coach Donald Chumley said, “Ben has been a standout athlete. He is a hard worker and leads by example. He will be signing a letter of intent to play baseball.  He is still narrowing down his choices.”  

BANANAS RESCUE ABANDONED PUPPY AT GRAYSON STADIUM, NAME THE TEAM DOG

SAVANNAH, GA. May 10, 2016 –The Savannah Bananas announced today that they have rescued an abandoned seven-week-old puppy and named her the team’s Bat Dog for the season.

Daisy was left in the Grayson Stadium parking lot two weeks ago with no tags, collar or microchip.  A staff member found her alone and crying near the office door as he left for an appointment. Now, Team President Jared Orton and his wife Kelsey have adopted her.

"It was just meant to be that we'd have a team dog as part of our staff," said Orton. "We took Daisy to the vet and aside from being hungry and dehydrated, she was in pretty good health."

Daisy comes in to the office every day to help ship out Bananas merchandise and greet visitors dropping by to purchase 5-game plans and merchandise.

"We aren't sure how big she'll get, so it's hard to say if she'll be able to pick up a bat or just coach first base," said Orton, "but as she grows, she'll be a fixture at the ballpark."

The Savannah Bananas open their season on Thursday, June 2nd.  All-You-Can-Eat 5-game plans, group tickets and single game tickets are on sale now at www.TheSavannahBananas.com or (912) 712 – 2482.

The Savannah Bananas introduced the five game plan this spring that includes tickets to the five biggest games of the year including Opening Night and all four fireworks shows.  All tickets include All You Can Eat Chicken Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Dessert, Soda and Water for only $15 a ticket. For more information and to purchase the five game plans, fans can visit www.TheSavannahBananas.com or call 912-712-2482.

The Savannah Bananas are owned by Fans First Entertainment who also owns and operates the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League.  The Grizzlies have led the league in attendance the past three seasons, been named Organization of the Year and recognized regionally and nationally for unique from promotions and their fan experience.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20^th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 81 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball. 

PRESS RELEASE 
Contact: Marie Gentry
(912) 712-2482 

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week- Savannah Arts Academy Tennis Player senior McKenzie Collins 4.30.2016

McKenzie Collins - Savannah Arts Academy

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week 4.23.16

McKenzie Collins

Savannah Arts Academy – Tennis

      Collins, a senior at Savannah Arts Academy, is undefeated at 23-0 on the season as the No. 1 singles player on the undefeated Lady Panthers tennis team. McKenzie signed a national letter of intent to play tennis at Virginia Tech on April 12, 2016. Collins is an A student and is a communication student at the Arts Academy. She plans on pursuing a major in business with a minor in marketing in college with a  a possible career in broadcasting.  

        On Friday April 29^th the Arts Academy knocked off seven-time defending state champion Blessed Trinity and are in the Georgia High School Association Girl’s Class AAA Tennis Championships on May 7^th  at the Clayton County Tennis Center. All said the Panthers are on the “Road to State” for a championship.