CALIFORNIA, Md. — Registration is open for the Banana Ball Bash, a free youth baseball and softball showcase coming to Chancellor’s Run Regional Park on Saturday, October 24, organizers announced.
Modeled on the high-energy, fan-first rules made popular by exhibition baseball, the event pairs two games — a youth softball matchup at 4 p.m. and a youth baseball game at 6:30 p.m. — with two teams, the Bananas and the Firefighters, drawing players from across St. Mary’s Little League, SMCYO, American Legion, and regional travel programs. The games are open to athletes ages 12 to 15.
Because the showcase is expected to draw interest from multiple leagues at once, organizers are filling rosters through a free random lottery rather than tryouts, aiming to give players equal access regardless of which program they normally play for. Each team will carry 15 players, for 60 total across both games, and every selected athlete gets a free custom jersey and a shot at team award packages. Entry is free, and the player lottery closes Saturday, September 26. Interested players can sign up here.
A second, separate sign-up is aimed at younger siblings and fans under 12 who want to take part in the game itself, just not on the roster. Organizers built the event as what they’re calling a “total-entertainment community festival,” with a live DJ and master of ceremonies running on-field relay races, banana-themed challenges, trivia, and prize giveaways between innings. That sign-up is also free and open now.
Beyond the two games, organizers are planning live music, food concessions, and fan prize drawings running throughout the afternoon and evening for spectators of all ages. The event lands at a park that’s recently added a new concession stand, giving families another option on-site.
The event is organized by the Southern Maryland Youth Baseball and Softball Coalition, which is posting schedule updates, roster reveals, and other announcements on its Facebook page.
