KJ Jackson Brings Banana Ball Energy to Otsego Elementary

Students at Otsego Elementary got a fun surprise on Friday, December 5, when Kyle “KJ” Jackson from the Savannah Bananas stopped by to visit.

Jackson, a Northwest Ohio native, spent time with students, posing for photos and sharing some laughs during the visit. The school later thanked him on Facebook, calling the day “so much fun” and sharing photos from the visit.

KJ, a Bowling Green High School graduate, joined the Savannah Bananas in 2024. The team plays Banana Ball, a fast-paced, entertainment-driven version of baseball that removes downtime and keeps fans involved throughout the game. Traditional rules are replaced with twists designed to keep things moving, and fan participation is a big part of the experience.

The concept has exploded in popularity. Banana Ball games sell out consistently, with demand now so high that tickets are only available through an online lottery system. Fans enter for a chance to buy tickets, making Savannah Bananas games some of the hardest tickets to get in sports.

For Otsego students — including kids from Grand Rapids — it was a chance to meet a hometown success story up close.