The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) honored Jesse Cole as its 2026 Georgian of the Year during a ceremony at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah on Tuesday. GAB President Randy Gravley presented the organization’s highest award, recognizing Cole’s leadership, creativity and impact on Savannah, Georgia and fans nationwide.
The award, presented for more than six decades, recognizes individuals who make lasting contributions to the state. Previous recipients include former President and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis and filmmaker Tyler Perry.
Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Banana Ball Championship League, which includes the Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns.
Cole and his wife launch the Savannah Bananas with a small team, limited resources and a big dream. Guided by the mantra “Fans First. Entertain Always,” they reinvent the baseball experience with dancing players, all-inclusive tickets and a focus on entertainment.
The Bananas sell out every game since their inaugural season, build a ticket waitlist of millions worldwide and attract more than 35 million social media followers. Gravley highlights Cole’s vision, the organization’s economic impact on Savannah and Georgia, and its ability to entertain audiences well beyond the ballpark.
Cole credits his team and its dedication to delivering an exceptional fan experience.
“And so, to see where we came from, from selling a handful of tickets to making the impact to be recognized at this level means a lot,” Cole says.
Through the Georgian of the Year award, GAB recognizes Cole’s success in building an organization that brings people together, showcases Georgia nationally and continues to reshape sports entertainment.
Source: GAB