Former Oakland Baller, Kelsie Whitmore Joins Savannah Bananas, Redefining Baseball’s Limits
Kelsie Whitmore, the Temecula-born trailblazer in women’s baseball, continues to make history—this time by signing with the Savannah Bananas, the wildly popular exhibition team known for their high-energy “Banana Ball” spectacle.
Whitmore's new role with the Bananas is more than a career milestone—it's a cultural shift. Having previously made history as the first woman to start in an Atlantic League game with the Staten Island FerryHawks, her presence now brings both credibility and inclusivity to the Bananas' theatrical take on the sport.
Banana Ball transforms baseball into a fast, fan-first show, featuring choreographed routines, quirky rule changes, and unpredictable antics that turn games into festivals rather than standard competitions. Upcoming appearances include games at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on May 30–31, 2025, and Petco Park in San Diego on September 5–6, offering Southern California residents a chance to witness Whitmore's latest chapter firsthand.
From being the only female player on her high school baseball team at Temecula Valley High School to earning a full-ride softball scholarship at Cal State Fullerton—where she later trained with the baseball team—Whitmore has consistently pushed boundaries on and off the field.
Her professional career includes historic stops with the Sonoma Stompers, becoming the first woman to play in both the Atlantic League and the Pioneer League, where she started a game with the Oakland Ballers.
Whitmore's impact extends globally. A fixture on the USA Women's National Baseball Team since 2014, she's earned multiple medals, including gold at the 2015 Pan American Games, as well as silver medals at the 2014 and 2025 Women's Baseball World Cups. She was also named USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year in 2022.
Off the diamond, Whitmore champions authenticity—both in sport and style—through her apparel brand, "BE YOU." The line emphasizes individuality and self-acceptance, further extending her influence beyond baseball.
Joining the Savannah Bananas isn't just entertainment for Whitmore—it's a continuation of her mission to make baseball inclusive, engaging, and inspiring. With the inaugural Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) launching in 2026, where she'll be among the first to try out, Whitmore is poised to lead the next wave of change in the sport.