Former Savannah Bananas outfielder gets the call from the Chicago White Sox

Tristan Peters made his name as a member of the Bananas, and now, he has an opportunity to make an impact to a Major League Baseball roster

Bringing the spirit: Players from the Savannah Bananas celebrate a key play during their 5-3 victory in Tallahassee. The historic three-day opening weekend at Doak Campbell Stadium officially launched the team's nationwide 50-game regular season. | Peter Albu / FSView & Florida Flambeau / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Often times, the Savannah Bananas feature celebrities or former sports greats as part of their baseball barnstorming. It adds to the luster and spectacle of Savannah's show, whcih has been regularly selling out huge stadiums on its 75-city tour in 2026.

And while there are young hopefuls on the team who believe the Bananas could be a springboard to stardom, they aren't viewed or operated as a developmental organization like a traditional minor league team would be. They aren't drafting the kind of guys that will be in The Show... they are looking for guys who can put on a show.

However, now and then, a player displays enough talent and athleticism to get a look from an MLB franchise. It's the dream of a lifetime for a journeyman ballplayer, and it's currently a reality for former Bananas outfielder Tristan Peters.

From the Bananas to the Bigs?

Clemson Hall of Fame running back and current running back coach CJ Spiller dances with Savannah Bananas players during the game with the Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, April 26, 2025. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 26-year-old Peters may have made a name on the Bananas as much due to his line-dancing as his playing. However, when he isn't clowning around with 'Baseball's Most Entertaining Team', he's a serious competitor. The Milwaukee Brewers originally drafted the former Southern Illinois Saluki before he eventually made his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. He was dealt to the Pale Hose back in December and says he plans on bringing a hard-nosed style to the Sox.

“Gritty,” he calls it. “I’m going to run hard every time, try to beat out infield singles if I can, and put my body on the line if I need to, just to make those catches.”

26-year-old Peters now tries to stake his big-league claim in the Sox’ outfield, he credits his brief foray into Banana Ball with helping to develop the high-octane, free-wheeling attitude he brings to the field.

“It’s not really my type of thing, but it helped me a lot just to get out of my shell,” said Peters, who also met his wife, Erin, on the Arizona line-dancing circuit. “And I honestly had a blast playing for them.”

“It was still like regular baseball, but I enjoyed it very much. Made some good friends, too. They kind of pulled whatever they could out of you. I did do two dances, which I never would have seen myself doing before that,” Peters said.

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