In a headline that has stunned both the sports and automotive worlds, Jesse Cole, the energetic owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, has reportedly offered Michigan native Steve Braithwaite an incredible $2 million to design and build an official Savannah Banana Car. The plan is for the vehicle to become a rolling promotional centerpiece for the Bananas, a team that has built a national following by combining baseball with entertainment, fan-first energy, and unforgettable showmanship.
Steve Braithwaite is no stranger to attention. Known as “Ridiculous Steve,” he is the creator of the Big Banana Car, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest custom banana car. That project began with a 1993 Ford F-150 chassis and took shape between 2009 and 2011 with rebar, chicken wire, polyurethane foam, and fiberglass before being finished in bright yellow. At nearly 23 feet long, the Banana Car has spent more than a decade traveling across the United States, turning heads and sparking smiles everywhere it goes.
Jesse Cole, often seen in his iconic yellow tuxedo, has always been driven by the idea of making baseball more entertaining. Under his leadership, the Savannah Bananas have become one of the most talked-about teams in the country, transforming games into full-blown events filled with dancing players, constant promotions, and fan interaction at every turn. For Cole, a branded Savannah Banana Car is not simply a quirky idea. It represents a perfect extension of the team’s unique identity, blending fun with spectacle in a way no other franchise has attempted. Reports suggest that Cole envisions the car traveling nationwide, promoting games, merchandise, and the Bananas philosophy of joy and engagement wherever it goes.
The $2 million offer is said to be more than a symbolic gesture. Sources close to the team claim that Cole sees the car as a mobile stage as well as a promotional tool, something capable of creating viral moments on the road and at stadiums. “This is not just a car. This is a moving symbol of joy, fun, and the spirit of the Savannah Bananas,” Cole has reportedly told colleagues. Braithwaite has not commented publicly on the offer, but those who know him suggest that the idea of collaborating with a sports franchise that thrives on outrageous ideas is the perfect fit for his creative spirit.
News of the proposed deal has already set social media buzzing. Fans of the Bananas immediately began imagining how the car could be used, with one supporter posting, “Picture the Banana Car rolling into the stadium with music blasting and players dancing on top. That is peak Bananas.” Others wondered whether Cole’s vision might expand beyond a single vehicle to include a fleet of banana-shaped rides, perhaps even a Banana limousine or a Banana bus. With Cole’s flair for over-the-top marketing, few ideas seem too outlandish.
If the project goes ahead, the official Savannah Banana Car could make its debut as soon as the 2026 season. For Cole, it would mark yet another bold step in redefining what a baseball team can be. For Braithwaite, it would be a validation of his wackiest dream, turning a quirky personal creation into a multimillion-dollar collaboration with one of the most unconventional franchises in sports.
What makes the potential partnership so fascinating is how well the visions of Cole and Braithwaite align. Both men believe in creating joy, pushing boundaries, and turning ordinary experiences into something unforgettable. Together, they could create not just a vehicle but a moving icon that embodies fun and creativity.
One thing is certain. If the Savannah Banana Car hits the road, it will be impossible to miss. Much like the Bananas themselves, it will serve as a reminder that baseball, cars, and even life itself do not always have to be serious. Sometimes, the best way to make an impact is to simply have fun.