Friday, May 26th 2023, 10:36 pm
Kids at Bethany Children's Health Center had some very special visitors this morning. They got to see the Savannah Bananas perform for the first time in the state.
"Man, this is special," said Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum. "We've got tons of kids out here playing banana ball. Just trying to bring some joy and happiness to these kids’ faces."
The Bananas call themselves the "Harlem Globetrotters of baseball," traveling the country and delivering a ballgame and a show, and their fame is only skyrocketing.
"The lady that sung the national anthem, Stephanie, actually said 'oh my gosh I watch you guys on TikTok all the time,'" Coach Gillum recounts.
But he says giving back is what matters most.
"Oh, it's so special,” he says. “Any time we can try to give back to the community and put a smile on kids’ faces, it's a special moment."
But according to Coach Gillum, it's not just special to the kids.
"This really impacts us just as much as it impacts them,” said Coach Gillum. “We're so excited to be in the community and do these types of things and to give back and just be able to bring some happiness and joy to the kids."
This is the bananas first time in Oklahoma, but their coach is no stranger to the Sooner State.
“I'm from Ada and I graduated from Latta High School," he said. "It's unbelievable being back. This is my home state so it's homecoming for me."
Homecoming and a milestone for Coach Gillum.
"My dads never seen me coach in thirteen years of coaching,” said Gillum. “So, he's going to be here tonight and it's going to be special."
Fresh off of baseball with the kids, Coach Gillum said the team is geared up for their sold out games this weekend.
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