Baseball

Banana Ball comes to Charlotte

By Jeff Siner
Fans enter Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Fans enter Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters on Thursday, June 4, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Damian Swanky of Waxhaw, NC found a comfortable way to carry his glove as he and his family enjoyed a meet and greet with members of the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
Damian Swanky of Waxhaw, NC found a comfortable way to carry his glove as he and his family enjoyed a meet and greet with members of the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
An stuffed crocodile seems appropriate for a meet and greet with fans for Texas Tailgaters Brett Allen Damian of Newcastle, Australia outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
An stuffed crocodile seems appropriate for a meet and greet with fans for Texas Tailgaters Brett Allen Damian of Newcastle, Australia outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
An stuffed crocodile seems appropriate for a meet and greet with fans for Texas Tailgaters Brett Allen Damian of Newcastle, Australia outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
An stuffed crocodile seems appropriate for a meet and greet with fans for Texas Tailgaters Brett Allen Damian of Newcastle, Australia outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Fan Finley Hursey, 4 yrs. stands on the drum of Fireline member Smoke Stack as he and his brother, Owen Hursey, 11 yrs., pose for a photograph at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
Fan Finley Hursey, 4 yrs. stands on the drum of Fireline member Smoke Stack as he and his brother, Owen Hursey, 11 yrs., pose for a photograph at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Fans cheer for members of the Firefighters to throw water balloons at them outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans were treated to Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
Fans cheer for members of the Firefighters to throw water balloons at them outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans were treated to Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Texas Tailgaters Nick Lopez, center, is joined by a few of his teammates to dance with fans during pregame activities outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The Texas Tailgaters played the Firefighters in Banana Ball action at Truist Field.
Texas Tailgaters Nick Lopez, center, is joined by a few of his teammates to dance with fans during pregame activities outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The Texas Tailgaters played the Firefighters in Banana Ball action at Truist Field. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
A member of the Texas Tailgaters wears a brilliant Texas belt buckle with his uniform as he meets and greets fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball featured a game between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
A member of the Texas Tailgaters wears a brilliant Texas belt buckle with his uniform as he meets and greets fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball featured a game between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Texas Tailgaters manager Joe Mikulik's cowboy hat is adorned with the signatures of young fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Texas Tailgaters manager Joe Mikulik's cowboy hat is adorned with the signatures of young fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Members of the Texas Tailgaters celebrate a run during action against the Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Members of the Texas Tailgaters celebrate a run during action against the Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Texas Tailgaters manager Joe Mikulik pulls on his mustache for fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. Mikulik managed the Asheville Tourists from 2000-2012.
Texas Tailgaters manager Joe Mikulik pulls on his mustache for fans outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Fans packed Truist Field for Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. Mikulik managed the Asheville Tourists from 2000-2012. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Members of the Firefighters dance as flames fill the air along the baselines of Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Members of the Firefighters dance as flames fill the air along the baselines of Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Scarlett Alvarez wore a special banana hair clip to Truist Field where she and her family enjoyed Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Charlotte, NC.
Scarlett Alvarez wore a special banana hair clip to Truist Field where she and her family enjoyed Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Charlotte, NC. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
A young fan is lifted into the air after defeating members of the Firefighters team during a tug-o-war competition at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
A young fan is lifted into the air after defeating members of the Firefighters team during a tug-o-war competition at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
The evening sun bathes spectators relaxing on the hill overlooking Truist Field during the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The evening sun bathes spectators relaxing on the hill overlooking Truist Field during the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game on Thursday, June 4, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Nolan Miller of Dallas, NC poses with his freshly autographed Banana Ball outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Miller and his family enjoyed Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters.
Nolan Miller of Dallas, NC poses with his freshly autographed Banana Ball outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Miller and his family enjoyed Banana Ball action between the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Firefighters centerfielder Armando Becerra catches a deep fly behind his back during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Firefighters centerfielder Armando Becerra catches a deep fly behind his back during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Mike and Deb, a couple who have been married for 44-years defeat other couples in a kiss-off during a break in the action of the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Mike and Deb, a couple who have been married for 44-years defeat other couples in a kiss-off during a break in the action of the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Firefighters battle a young fan during pregame festivities at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Firefighters battle a young fan during pregame festivities at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
A young fan holds onto his helmet as he runs to home plate with members of the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters looking on during pregame festivities at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
A young fan holds onto his helmet as he runs to home plate with members of the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters looking on during pregame festivities at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Firefighters centerfielder Armando Becerra kicks the ball back into the air with his glove prior to catching it on the second bump during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Firefighters centerfielder Armando Becerra kicks the ball back into the air with his glove prior to catching it on the second bump during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
It wasn't the Heat Miser throwing pitches to the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026 but Firefighters pitcher Austin Temple . Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
It wasn't the Heat Miser throwing pitches to the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026 but Firefighters pitcher Austin Temple . Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Fans dive for the finish line during a in game activity in the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Fans dive for the finish line during a in game activity in the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Texas Tailgaters Jacob Pipercic slides safely into second base as Firefighters Tyner Hughes secures the throw during action at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Texas Tailgaters Jacob Pipercic slides safely into second base as Firefighters Tyner Hughes secures the throw during action at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Flames shoot into the sky as members of the Fireline perform during a break in the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Flames shoot into the sky as members of the Fireline perform during a break in the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters game at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
The evening sun casts a long shadow from the Firefighters right field during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
The evening sun casts a long shadow from the Firefighters right field during action against the Texas Tailgaters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
A young fan reaches up to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Texas Tailgaters left fielder Caden “Peanut” Green during action against the Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
A young fan reaches up to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Texas Tailgaters left fielder Caden “Peanut” Green during action against the Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Mr. November celebrates the fans along the first base line and right field area winning a sing off against other fans during the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters.
Mr. November celebrates the fans along the first base line and right field area winning a sing off against other fans during the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Spectators watch the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters from a balcony of the FNB building on Thursday, June 4, 2026 Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters at Truist Field.
Spectators watch the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters from a balcony of the FNB building on Thursday, June 4, 2026 Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters at Truist Field. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
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