Banana Ball Brings Fun, Firefighters and Flashy Beats to Albuquerque

Albuquerque’s Isotopes Park turned into a lively carnival this weekend, hosting two nights of Banana Ball—a quirky twist on baseball that mixes music, dancing and fan‑centric antics. The Party Animals and Firefighters faced off twice, drawing a crowd of about 27, 000 over Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. In each game the Firefighters claimed victory. Banana Ball rules break from tradition: innings end after two hours, each inning counts as a point, bunts are banned, and any fan who catches a ball earns an out. Six teams across the nation will play more than 180 games this season, and most of those events sell out quickly. Albuquerque native Drew Gillespie, a former University of New Mexico pitcher, threw for the Party Animals. This marks his third trip to Isotopes Park with the team. He told reporters that playing in different communities lets him spread joy, and he even treated his family to dinner at local favorites like Tomista’s and El Pinto.Firefighters were highlighted in both matches. Capt. Matthew Burnham from Station 9 was honored Saturday, and Lt. Andres Montoya from Station 8 received the same tribute Sunday. Their presence added a meaningful community nod to the festivities. The night was brightened by light‑up bracelets handed out before the game in a “Party Animals After Dark” promotion. As stadium lights dimmed, music such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and an Irish jig for Dustin Baber’s walk‑up song lit the stands green. Fans enjoyed contests between innings, from water‑balloon relay races for adults to kids dressed as wolves racing across the field. Hosts A. J. Kirsch and Kaz Egan kept energy high with interactive segments, including a theme‑song guessing game that got crowds laughing. Players also engaged fans before and after play, signing items, dancing to hits like “Wobble” and “Cupid Shuffle, ” sampling concessions, and even crowning the Party Princesses. The event proved that a baseball game can be more than sport; it becomes a community celebration where players, fans and local heroes share memorable moments together.