Savannah Bananas add first Spanish-language broadcaster

SAVANNAH, Ga. —

The Savannah Bananas have introduced José “Cheito” Benítez as the organization’s first Spanish-language broadcaster, helping bring the game to an even wider audience.

Benítez, a broadcaster from Puerto Rico, said his goal is to make fans watching from miles away feel as if they are inside the stadium.

“I always bring the whole energy because I had the experience to play baseball in Puerto Rico, in a semi-pro league,” Benítez said. “I know how it feels when you hear a double in the clutch. So I bring that energy, so those fans that are not here in the stadium can feel the same way I’m feeling in that moment.”

The Spanish-language broadcasts stream free on YouTube, removing a potential barrier for viewers and making Banana Ball more accessible to Spanish-speaking families in Savannah, across the Lowcountry and around the world.

For Benítez, the broadcasts could also be a first step toward bringing Banana Ball to baseball-rich places including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and his native Puerto Rico.

“It’s amazing to impact our Spanish audience because the vision of Jesse Cole—he wants to impact the whole world,” Benítez said. “Now, with me here working with Banana Ball and the Savannah Bananas, we can impact Latin Americans.”

The opportunity is also allowing Benítez to fulfill a personal dream while potentially creating a path for other Spanish-language broadcasters.

“It means everything right now,” he said. “To be the first Spanish broadcaster here in this league—I accomplished my dream. That means a lot for me. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.”

With Benítez behind the microphone, the Savannah Bananas are using a historic new voice to carry the energy of Banana Ball far beyond Savannah.