Congratulations: Savannah Bananas’ Tyler Gillum Named Baseball’s Best Coach of the Year 2025
The Savannah Bananas, widely celebrated for bringing an entirely new level of excitement and showmanship to the game of baseball, have reached another remarkable milestone. Their head coach, Tyler Gillum, has been officially crowned Baseball’s Best Coach of the Year 2025, an honor presented by the National Baseball Association. This recognition not only highlights Gillum’s extraordinary impact on the Bananas but also underscores the team’s meteoric rise from a quirky exhibition club to one of the most talked-about names in the sport.
A Coach Who Changed the Game
Gillum’s approach to coaching has always gone far beyond wins and losses. Known for his creativity, adaptability, and relentless positivity, he has helped transform the Savannah Bananas into a cultural phenomenon. Under his leadership, the Bananas have pioneered a unique brand of baseball that blends competitive play with entertainment, drawing massive crowds and millions of online followers. From choreographed dance routines to fan-engagement stunts, Gillum has redefined how a baseball team can connect with its community while still producing elite performance on the field.
What sets Gillum apart is his ability to balance spectacle with substance. While the Bananas are famous for their “Banana Ball” twist on the traditional game — featuring time limits, fan participation, and rules designed to keep energy high — they are also exceptionally well-coached. Gillum has instilled discipline, teamwork, and tactical awareness, ensuring that the team’s playful atmosphere never overshadows their competitive spirit.
Recognition From the Highest Level
The National Baseball Association’s Best Coach of the Year Award is one of the most coveted accolades in the sport, traditionally awarded to coaches who achieve groundbreaking results or set new standards of excellence. Gillum’s win in 2025 is especially significant because it represents recognition of a movement that many once dismissed as a gimmick. Now, it is impossible to ignore the impact the Bananas — and Gillum’s leadership — have had on the future of baseball.
In the official announcement, the Association praised Gillum for his “innovative strategies, unwavering leadership, and ability to inspire both players and fans.” For many within the baseball community, this award felt overdue, given Gillum’s track record of innovation and his role in expanding the sport’s reach to younger, more diverse audiences.
The Bananas’ Meteoric Rise
The Savannah Bananas began as a collegiate summer league team in 2016 but quickly stood out for their willingness to experiment with tradition. Over the years, the team has become a traveling show, selling out stadiums across the country and amassing a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Much of that success can be traced back to Gillum’s steady hand and his commitment to creating an environment where players thrive both as athletes and entertainers.
Players who have worked with Gillum often highlight his player-first philosophy. He prioritizes development, mental health, and fun, believing that when athletes enjoy the game, they perform at their best. His methods have inspired not only his team but also coaches across various levels of baseball who are now exploring ways to bring more joy and creativity to their programs.
Looking Ahead
As the Bananas continue their nationwide tours and capture headlines with their viral performances, Gillum’s latest accolade cements his place in the history of modern baseball. It also serves as a sign that the sport is evolving. The Savannah Bananas’ success story demonstrates that innovation and tradition can coexist, and that the future of baseball may be brighter — and more entertaining — than ever.
For Tyler Gillum, the award is both a personal triumph and a validation of his vision. “This honor belongs to the players, the staff, and the fans who believed in what we’re building,” he said during his acceptance speech. “Baseball is about joy, connection, and community, and I’m proud that we get to share that with the world.”
The Bananas’ journey is far from over, but with Gillum at the helm, their influence is sure to grow. Winning Baseball’s Best Coach of the Year 2025 is not just a recognition of past achievements — it’s a promise of even greater things to come.