Jesse Cole Biography
Jesse Cole is the energetic and innovative founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team that has gained global attention for transforming the game into an entertainment spectacle. Known for his trademark yellow tuxedo, Cole has redefined the traditional baseball experience through his concept of Banana Ball, which includes a set of quirky rules designed to make games faster and more engaging, such as a two-hour time limit, no mound visits, and fans catching foul balls for outs.
Cole has been a lifelong baseball fan and has drawn inspiration from entertainment pioneers like Walt Disney and P.T. Barnum. He and his team have achieved significant popularity, amassing millions of followers and selling out every game since the team’s inaugural season. Cole’s vision for the Savannah Bananas is to “Make Baseball Fun,” and with his leadership, the team has been featured in major media outlets, including ESPN and The Today Show. He is also an accomplished author and keynote speaker, sharing his insights on fan engagement and leadership across various platforms.
Jesse Cole Age
Jesse Cole was born on March 13, 1984, making him 40 years old as of 2024.
Jesse Cole Parents
Jesse Cole’s parents are Kerry Cole and Diane Cole. His parents divorced when he was young, which had a significant impact on his upbringing.
Jesse Cole Hometown
Jesse Cole hails from Massachusetts, United States.
Jesse Cole Educational Background
Jesse Cole attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he pursued a degree in Humanities with a focus on Leadership. During his time at Wofford, he was also a member of the college baseball team. Unfortunately, his baseball career was cut short due to a torn labrum, which led him to shift his focus from playing to management and entrepreneurship.
Jesse Cole Career
Jesse Cole’s career is a remarkable blend of sports and entertainment innovation. After a baseball injury ended his playing days in college, he shifted his focus to management. His first major step came in 2008 when he became the General Manager of the Gastonia Grizzlies, a minor league team in North Carolina. Cole immediately introduced new entertainment elements to the game, such as fireworks and player dances, which significantly boosted attendance. This success laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in sports entertainment.
In 2016, Cole and his wife, Emily, founded the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team with a mission to reinvent the sport. Under his leadership, the Bananas adopted Banana Ball, a new set of rules designed to make baseball more fast-paced and fan-friendly. These include a two-hour time limit, no mound visits, and fans being able to catch foul balls for outs. This unconventional approach turned the Bananas into a viral sensation, attracting millions of followers on social media and consistently selling out games.
Initially, Cole struggled financially after purchasing the team. He had to sell his house and was close to bankruptcy. However, he doubled down on the Bananas’ unique brand of entertainment, believing that it could create a sustainable business model. His gamble paid off when the Bananas began drawing large crowds, making them one of the most talked-about teams in baseball. By 2022, Cole made the bold decision to leave the Coastal Plain League (CPL) and focus entirely on touring exhibitions, allowing the Bananas to play against teams like the Party Animals and the Firefighters.
Cole’s approach to running the Savannah Bananas goes beyond just baseball. He draws inspiration from entertainment pioneers like Walt Disney and P.T. Barnum. His vision was to create an experience where every game feels like a show. This has led to the development of on-field skits, choreographed dances, and even twerking umpires. The team also rejects conventional sponsorship deals, choosing instead to fund their operations through ticket sales and merchandise, which aligns with Cole’s “Fans First” philosophy.
The rise of the Bananas caught the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB). Although Cole doesn’t claim that his team directly influenced MLB’s rule changes, the success of Banana Ball has coincided with a broader push in MLB to make games shorter and more engaging. In 2024, the Bananas began touring MLB stadiums, playing in front of record-breaking crowds and further cementing their status as pioneers in sports entertainment.
Another key element of Cole’s career is his refusal to accept external investment. The Savannah Bananas remain privately owned by Cole and his wife, with no corporate sponsorship. This independence allows Cole to maintain creative control and continue experimenting with new ideas. His willingness to take risks has been central to his success, and he’s unafraid to try out ideas that might fail. For Cole, the goal is to constantly learn and improve through experimentation.
Cole’s career has also expanded beyond baseball. He is a bestselling author of books like Find Your Yellow Tux and Fans First, where he shares his insights on leadership, fan engagement, and creating unforgettable experiences. Additionally, he is a sought-after keynote speaker, delivering talks on how to stand out in business and how to create loyal fans.
In recent years, the Bananas have become more than just a baseball team; they’ve evolved into a brand with a global fan base. By 2024, the team had amassed millions of followers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, making them one of the most followed sports teams in the world. The Bananas are now expanding their tour schedule, with plans to visit more MLB and football stadiums in 2025, continuing their mission to make baseball the most entertaining sport in the world.
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Jesse Cole Wife and Children
Jesse Cole is married to Emily Cole. The couple has been a strong partnership both in life and in business, with Emily playing an active role in the success of the Savannah Bananas and their other ventures. The couple have two children together.
Jesse Cole Net Worth
As of 2024, Jesse Cole’s estimated net worth is around $4 million.
Jesse Cole Social Books
Jesse Cole has authored several books that reflect his philosophy on business, leadership, and fan engagement. Here are his main works:
- “Find Your Yellow Tux: How to Be Successful by Standing Out” (2018)
In this book, Cole shares his journey and strategies for building a unique, fan-centric business, offering insights on how to stand out in any industry by being bold and unconventional.
- “Fans First: Change the Game, Break the Rules & Create an Unforgettable Experience” (2021)
This book dives deep into Cole’s Fans First philosophy, explaining how businesses can thrive by putting their customers and fans at the forefront of every decision.
- “Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas” (2023)
In this book, Cole discusses the Savannah Bananas’ rise to fame, the creation of Banana Ball, and the impact of breaking traditional sports rules to create a new kind of fan experience.
Jesse Cole Social Media Presence
Jesse Cole has a significant social media presence, largely due to the success of the Savannah Bananas and his engaging content centered around sports entertainment and fan engagement. Here are his social media handles:
- Instagram: @YellowTuxJesse
- Twitter (X): @YellowTuxJesse
FAQs
Who is Jesse Cole?
Jesse Cole is the founder and owner of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team known for its unique approach to the sport, blending entertainment with baseball through Banana Ball. He is also the founder of Fans First Entertainment and a keynote speaker.
What is Banana Ball?
Banana Ball is an innovative form of baseball created by Jesse Cole. It includes rules such as a two-hour time limit, no walks, no bunting, and fans catching foul balls for outs. The goal is to make baseball more engaging and fast-paced.
Why does Jesse Cole wear a yellow tuxedo?
Jesse wears his signature yellow tuxedo to stand out and reflect the fun, vibrant brand of the Savannah Bananas. The yellow suit has become symbolic of his “Fans First” philosophy.
How did the Savannah Bananas get their name?
The name “Savannah Bananas” was chosen after a public contest. The name went viral, becoming a trending topic on social media, which helped the team gain immediate attention.
Has Jesse Cole written any books?
Yes, Jesse Cole has written several books, including Find Your Yellow Tux and Fans First. His books focus on leadership, customer engagement, and standing out in business.
How popular are the Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas have become a national sensation, with millions of followers on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Their games often sell out, and they have a ticket waitlist of over two million fans.
