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Who gets to play with the Bananas? Knoxville picks its favorite

Knoxville, Tennessee, USATuesday, May 19, 2026

The stage is set in Knoxville, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Four legendary names remain in the running to join the Savannah Bananas for two unforgettable baseball games—and the choice is yours.

🔥 The Matchups: Icons Collide

  • Country Royalty vs. Country Royalty Kenny Chesney vs. Morgan Wallen Born and raised in East Tennessee, both stars honed their skills on the diamond before rising to global fame. Now, they’re vying for a spot on the Bananas’ roster.

  • Gridiron Legend vs. Music Icon Peyton Manning (aka "The Sheriff") vs. Dolly Parton (aka "The Queen") One revolutionized football, the other redefined country music—yet both share a passion for the game.

📊 The Road to the Field

This isn’t just another celebrity appearance. The Savannah Bananas have built a reputation for breaking the mold—inviting NFL players, musicians, and viral stars to play alongside them. The selection process? A mix of fan frenzy and pure entertainment.

Out of 16 initial contenders, fan votes (heavily influenced by Instagram following) narrowed the field. Morgan Wallen led the pack with 9.2 million followers, while former Tennessee baseball player Chris Burke—the only candidate without an Instagram—landed at the bottom.

🗓️ The Countdown to Chaos

Voting isn’t over—it’s just getting started. The elimination rounds unfold like this:

  • May 13: First round concluded
  • May 15: Quarterfinals
  • May 18: Semifinals
  • May 20: Finals
  • May 21: Winner announced + First game at Covenant Health Park

And here’s the twist: You can vote as many times as you want. The Bananas thrive on over-the-top fun, and this vote is no exception.

⚡ Why This Matters

This isn’t just about who’s most popular. The Savannah Bananas are famous for dancing between innings, flipping the script on old rules, and ensuring every fan leaves grinning. The right guest could mean higher energy, bigger crowds, and a game no one will forget.

So, Knoxville—who do you want to see step up to the plate?

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