u/CentralTexasliving

This clip is mainly about Coach Rac’s insane catch this weekend. But Andy Cosgrove does get a shoutout as “Shirtless Guy.” Seems about right.

It does provoke some thoughtful (though kind of crude) conversation. Pat truly seems to love Bananaball and everything about it but also meets it where it is. He respects the skills of the players but understands entertainment is a large chunk of it. AJ seems amused by it but does not really seem to take it for more than a novelty. Ty tried to go into baseball purist mode but does acknowledge he has waffled on the sport’s legitimacy.

They do mention next years’s impending lockout and what that may look like for MLB players and Bananaball. Jesse keeps “plus-ing” the experience, so who knows. If the lockout goes for as long as predicted, there maybe some athletes who are more than guest batters/defensive pieces. And it makes ya wonder what team rosters will look like for 2027 (especially considering city selection and a draft would be before the December 1 cutoff date for a MLB/Players’ Association possible agreement).

Reading about people’s game day experiences and watching players’ videos and posts sparked some thought.

Fans First book the venues, and contracts involved dictate access staff and players have, hours they are there, etc. And with it not being Grayson, there are so many details out of the company’s control. Parking, cost of concessions, covered areas, water refill stations, etc are at the discretion of the venue.

Friday sounds like it was more than a bit of a cluster. Fans reported tickets sold where there were not seats. long lines, not being able to get to refill stations, not bringing in fans (not allowed), people needing medical attention with some going to the hospital, the first signing bare due to people avoiding the parking lot and heat, etc. Sounds like Saturday had some modifications made to cut down on issues related to the heat but still slightly problematic.

When booking venues, it would be good if Jesse and Fans First also inquired about logistics like the ones above. I understand it is the venue’s control, but as he looks to expand the sport, reach, and bottom dollar, these factors need to be checked into and considered what could maybe be modified. Because heat strokes fans, staff, and athletes just does not feel very Fans First.

Inspired by Banana Breakdown Podcast and the remaining days of summer break, thought it would be fun to generate some two thirds season awards for the boys in black and pink.

Ideas:

Best Entertainment Non Entertainment Player?

Best Walk Up?

Best overall offensive player?

Best overall defensive player?

Trick play superstar?

Best well deserved sass towards the umpires?

Most exciting homerun?

Best trash talker not named Fluke?

Best Rude Dude Dancer?

Is Bret really Sasquatch?

So many ideas. Curious what other PA4L types think.

What remaining tour stops are’PA fans looking forward to for 2026?

From a field perspective, I’m excited to see what they do with the field in Idaho. From a local perspective, I’m excited for Sugar Land.

There are a lot of Firefighters series left, so that could be very beneficial for the PAs.

Will certainly be a race in standings until the final games.

Two and a half week break. Hopefully everyone with Fans First is recharging and spending time with their people.

Thought it would be fun to pose different questions. Always enjoy hearing others’ perspectives and why.

My favorite tour stops, to this point, are a toss up between three. Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Nashville were just memorable. Las Vegas for the wildness of the second game but the close competition of the third (though they lost - just memorable moments). Atlanta because it was their first MLB headliner. And Nashville, not just for the sweep, but also the wildness of Game 3.

Curious what others think.

A little over a third of the season of games contested and about two thirds to go. The PAs came back strong from the BBCL Open, but then the Clowns happened.

Some good things are happening, bats are waking up, and pitchers are finding their zones. The competition though is fierce and does not care if you’re a reigning champ. Honestly makes the games more exciting but frustrating at the same time.

What are everybody’s tri-season thoughts?

Jackson Olson will be on Season 35 of DWTS. Not surprised as ABC is owned by Disney. And Fans First and Disney have frequently partnered?

Who do we predict for Season 36? And which Party Animal will it be?