The Savannah Bananas’ meteoric rise in the world of baseball reached a new pinnacle this year as their head coach, Tyler Gillum, was officially named Baseball’s Best Coach of the Year 2025. The prestigious award, presented by the National Baseball Association, recognizes the most outstanding coaching achievements in the sport — and Gillum’s innovative leadership and game-changing strategies made him the clear choice.

Gillum has been at the forefront of the Bananas’ transformation from a quirky independent club to a full-blown national phenomenon. Under his leadership, the team’s unique brand of “Banana Ball” has not only sold out stadiums across the country but has also rewritten the playbook on what baseball can look like in the 21st century.

Known for his high-energy coaching style, creative tactics, and relentless commitment to fan engagement, Gillum has turned the Bananas into a cultural movement. Whether it’s choreographed player entrances, jaw-dropping trick plays, or simply making baseball more fun for families, his influence has transcended wins and losses to redefine the game itself.

“This award isn’t just about me — it’s about what we’re building with the Bananas,” Gillum said upon receiving the honor. “We want to prove that baseball can be entertaining, competitive, and completely different from what people expect. The fans have fueled this journey, and this recognition is for them, too.”

The 2025 accolade cements Gillum’s place not just as a coach but as a visionary in the sport. With the Bananas’ continued expansion, sellout tours, and viral moments dominating social media, his leadership has proven that innovation and heart can create a winning formula far beyond the diamond.

As the Bananas prepare for yet another historic season, one thing is clear: Tyler Gillum isn’t just coaching baseball — he’s changing it forever.