Savannah’s Best-Kept Secret: The Banana Nanas, A 65-and-Over Cheerleading Sensation Captivating Fans at Every Bananas Game….
Savannah, GA – In a ballpark filled with laughter, dancing, and baseball reimagined, there’s one group that has quietly become one of the most beloved attractions of The Savannah Bananas’ unique brand of entertainment: the Banana Nanas. This spirited, 65-and-over, women-only cheerleading squad has grown from a fun halftime act into a central piece of the Bananas’ identity. Led by the ever-energetic Nana Karen Olenick, the team brings joy, inspiration, and a message that age is nothing more than a number.
For fans who have attended games at Grayson Stadium, the Banana Nanas are far from a secret. As the Bananas revolutionize baseball with their fast-paced, fan-first Banana Ball, the cheer squad has become a highlight of every night. With their glittery costumes, bright smiles, and dance routines set to crowd-favorite songs, these women light up the diamond just as much as the players.
“They’re the heartbeat of the crowd,” one fan said after a recent game. “Everyone loves the players, but when the Banana Nanas come out, it feels like the whole stadium is cheering for their own grandmother, aunt, or neighbor. They remind us that fun has no age limit.”
The group was first introduced as part of the Bananas’ push to transform baseball into a full-scale entertainment experience. What started as a playful experiment has grown into a Savannah staple. With Olenick’s leadership, the Nanas rehearse weekly, choreograph new routines, and perform at home games to the delight of fans young and old. Their performances are equal parts humor and heart, blending traditional cheer moves with quirky Bananas-inspired flair.
But their presence is more than just entertainment—it’s empowerment. The Banana Nanas are living proof that staying active, engaged, and adventurous later in life is possible and rewarding. For many of the squad members, joining the team was not only a chance to dance but also a way to form new friendships, embrace physical fitness, and share their energy with the community.
“People ask us why we do it,” Olenick explained in a recent interview. “The answer is simple—we love it. We love the dancing, the laughter, the energy, and most of all, we love the fans. It’s about showing that life doesn’t stop at 65. If anything, it gets even more fun.”
Their popularity has extended far beyond the ballpark. Videos of their routines have gone viral on social media, drawing praise from viewers across the country. Many fans travel to Savannah not only to see Banana Ball in action but also to watch the Banana Nanas perform live. They have become ambassadors for the team’s message of joy, community, and unfiltered fun.
The Nanas’ presence also connects deeply with Bananas’ philosophy. Owner Jesse Cole has often said that the mission of the team is not just to play baseball, but to create the “greatest show in sports.” By embracing the cheer squad, the Bananas demonstrate that everyone—from players to performers, from fans to senior cheerleaders—has a role in building that show.
As the Bananas continue to grow their national profile, touring across the U.S. and introducing new audiences to Banana Ball, the Banana Nanas have become an inseparable part of the journey. They prove that a little sparkle, rhythm, and humor can make just as big an impact as a home run.
For Savannah locals, they may have once been a “best-kept secret.” But now, the secret is out: the Banana Nanas aren’t just cheerleaders—they’re icons. Their routines don’t just entertain; they inspire. And in the world of Banana Ball, that may be the greatest victory of all.
Would you like me to expand this into a feature-style article (with interviews, fan reactions, and a deeper look at Karen Olenick’s leadership), or keep it in this straight news-reporting format.