Excitement is building for the Savannah Bananas' Des Moines stop. Here's what to know

We're still more than two months away from the Savannah Bananas' appearance in Des Moines as part of the Banana Ball World Tour, but ample excitement is already building for the fun-loving baseball team that's taken the country by storm.

Tickets for the Bananas' two-day stay at Principal Park on August 25-26 have sold out. The eccentrically entertaining barnstorming baseball team has gained significant popularity for its unusual on-field antics and altered rules.

More: Savannah Bananas baseball team sells out two games at Principal Park in Des Moines

To get you ready for the Bananas' stop in Des Moines, here's more to know about this unique baseball team.

How have the Savannah Bananas gotten so popular?

As with just about anything in 2023, social media has been a huge tool in increasing the Bananas' visibility.

The Bananas have amassed more than 6.8 million TikTok followers and another 1.3 million on Instagram. Operating under the mantra, "We make baseball fun," the Bananas' choreographed dances, on-field skits and general absurdity geared toward fan interaction have made this squad a must-see attraction.

Originally part of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer league, for seven seasons, the Bananas announced in 2022 they were leaving the league to play "Banana Ball" year-round. The Bananas now field two independent professional teams, the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals. Former MLB players like Jonny Gomes, Jake Peavy, Josh Reddick and others have suited up for the Savannah Bananas during their rise.

What are the official rules of Banana Ball?

Rule 1: Every inning is worth one point. The team that gets the most runs in an inning gets a point for that inning — except for the last inning, where every run counts.

Rule 2: There is a two-hour time limit. No new inning can be started after 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Rule 3: If the hitter steps out of the box, it's a strike

Rule 4: If a hitter bunts, they are ejected.

Rule 5: On any pitch of an at-bat, the hitter can try to steal first base. This can happen on a passed ball, wild pitch or any time the hitter chooses.

Rule 6: No walks are allowed. If a pitcher throws ball four, it becomes a sprint. The hitter will take off running while every defensive player on the field must touch the ball before it becomes live. The hitter can advance as many bases as they want. The ball doesn't have to touch the catcher or pitcher.

Rule 7: No mound visits allowed.

Rule 8: If a fan catches a foul ball, it's an out.

Rule 9: If the game is tied at the end of the two-hour time limit, the game will go into a Showdown Tiebreaker. In each Showdown, the hitter must score. If they score, it's worth one point. If they get out, it's worth no points (called a Showdown Shutdown).

The round one tiebreaker has a pitcher, catcher and one fielder vs. one batter. The round two tiebreaker has a pitcher and catcher vs. a batter. The round 3 tiebreaker has a pitcher, catcher and one fielder vs. a batter with the bases loaded. In this Final Showdown, every run counts as a point. If no team has won after three Showdowns, they will continue with bases loaded and one fielder until a team has won.

If at any point a homer is hit over the wall, the game ends as a walk-off win.

What are some other highlights of the Savannah Bananas experience?

There's a 3-2-2 every game, which stands for 3rd inning, second batter, second pitch. These are unique in-game pre-pitch dances.

Sometimes, the team plays in kilts.

Instead of just walk-up music, hitters may be escorted to the plate by the Banana Pep Band, walk down the yellow carpet or even introduce themselves.

Postgame interviews have a mind of their own. Players may be interviewed in the shower, in the bathroom stall, in an ice bath, in a massage chair or even in their own bed.

The Bananas have a breakdancing coach in Maceo Harrison, who'll dance before giving out signs. They also have the Banana Nanas, a senior citizen dance team, and the Man-Nana's, a dad-bod cheerleading squad. Vincent Chapman is the team's dancing umpire as well.

The Bananas' scoring celebrations are must-see. They'll run through the crowd or perform dances or really, anything else. Every game, the team also honors the Banana Baby. Cue the "Lion King" opening music and the players kneeling around the baby being lifted in a banana costume.

Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to know about the Savannah Bananas ahead of their Des Moines stop