Tanner Allen Finds New Life and Excitement in the Banana Ball Championship League
The Banana Ball championship League has rapidly become a unique and captivating stage in the baseball landscape over the past five seasons, attracting fans with its blend of entertainment and athleticism. Often likened to the Harlem Globetrotters with a bat and ball, the exhibition circuit thrives on eccentric rules and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Savannah Bananas, the league’s flagship team, boast a roster of former Major league Baseball stars, including Johnny Damon, Jake peavy, and recently, Jackie Bradley Jr., who has committed to compete full-time.The league’s recent draft underscored its commitment to attracting new talent,with Tanner Allen,a former outfielder in the Miami Marlins association,selected with the first pick of the second round by the Loco Beach Coconuts.
Allen’s Collegiate Success and Professional Challenges
Allen’s baseball career began at Mississippi State University in 2018, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He earned SEC All-Freshman team honors, starting every game primarily at first base. His sophomore year resulted in a selection to the All-SEC first team. While injuries hampered his junior season, Allen excelled during his senior campaign in 2021.
In 67 games, Allen recorded 19 doubles, five triples, and 11 home runs, scoring 66 runs with a .383 batting average and a 1.076 OPS.This performance garnered him All-American recognition from multiple media outlets and culminated in being named SEC Player of the Year.
Drafted by the Miami Marlins in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Allen’s transition to professional baseball proved challenging. He struggled in his first 30 games at Single-A,hitting .183 with a .534 OPS. The following season saw limited betterment, reaching High-A where he played in 59 of 84 games, hitting 11 doubles and three home runs with a .575 OPS.
2023 marked a step forward as Allen reached Double-A, achieving career highs with 11 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs, finishing with a .271 average and a .748 OPS. Though,this momentum didn’t last. A challenging 2024 season, limited to 50 games with a .225 average and only two home runs and 14 RBIs, lead to the end of his time in affiliated baseball at age 26.
A New Possibility with the Loco Beach Coconuts
Now, Allen embarks on a new chapter with the Loco Beach Coconuts. The banana Ball League prioritizes entertainment and spectacle over traditional baseball metrics. Known for its extravagant antics – including players on stilts and choreographed infield dances – the league offers a unique environment for players.
This new platform provides Allen with a chance to showcase his skills in a different context, potentially revitalizing his baseball career. While the future remains unwritten, the dynamic and entertaining nature of Banana Ball could offer Allen a fresh start and a new way to connect with fans, redefining his baseball narrative in an unexpected and exciting way.
