Atlanta, GA – 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, September 29. GAB President Randy Gravley presented the association’s highest award, recognizing Cole’s leadership, creativity, and lasting impact on Savannah, the state of Georgia, and fans across the country.
For more than six decades, the GAB’s Georgian of the Year award has recognized individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the state. Cole joins a distinguished list of recipients that includes former President and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, and award-winning filmmaker Tyler Perry.
Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Banana Ball Championship League, which includes the world-famous Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts, and Indianapolis Clowns.
Cole and his wife launched the Savannah Bananas with a small team, limited resources, and a big dream. Guided by the mantra “Fans First. Entertain Always,” they reimagined the baseball experience with dancing players, all-inclusive tickets, and a commitment to entertainment.
The Bananas have sold out every game since their inaugural season, built a ticket waitlist of millions of fans worldwide, and attracted more than 35 million social media followers. In presenting the award, Gravley highlighted Cole’s vision, the organization’s economic impact on Savannah and Georgia, and its ability to bring joy to audiences far beyond the ballpark.
Reflecting on the recognition, Cole credited his team and its dedication to creating a remarkable 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 said.
Through the Georgian of the Year award, GAB celebrates Cole’s success in building an organization that brings people together, showcases Georgia on a national stage and continues to redefine what sports entertainment can be.
About the Georgia Association of Broadcasters
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) is the state’s official broadcast association, dedicated to ensuring the vitality and growth of Georgia’s broadcasting industry by advocating for the interests of radio and television broadcasters.
