MERCEDES BROCKINGTON, STAFF WRITER

The Savannah Bananas prided themselves on putting fans first during their inaugural season this summer. One former Armstrong Pirate baseball player knew all about their desire to create a unique fan experience and he could not have been more thankful for that.

Berry Aldridge graduated from Armstrong State University in December of 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature.  But it was not until midway through his college career that he realized teaching and coaching was not the career path he wanted to follow

He became interested in leadership and communication studies.  Because he was so close to graduating with that degree, he began taking classes that focused on his new interest in leadership.

He knew his career path was changing and he began looking for internship and job opportunities that encompassed all of the things he loved: baseball, leadership, and team building.  In February of 2016, he found what he was looking for.

After reading a Facebook post about the new team in town, Aldridge not-so-jokingly told his friends, “I’m going to work for the Bananas.”  He drafted an email and sent it to every contact in the team office.

“I decided that I really wanted to see the other side of baseball,” he said. “The Bananas just happened to be moving into town and I was beyond fortunate to land an internship with them.”

After the summer internship, Aldridge stepped into a full-time position with the Bananas as their Fan Development Coordinator.  He has the opportunity to operate in all of the things he loves: baseball, leadership, and team building.

His job position focuses heavily on the fans experience, something he knows will ultimately lead to his dream of being in a front office in the Major Leagues.

“In a world where people are the ultimate currency, communication is your ultimate tool,” he excitedly explained.

During his first major event, opening day, Aldridge put all of his skills to the test.  With a huge focus on fans coming first, he along with the Savannah Bananas team were able to make a lasting impression on the city of Savannah.

The Bananas sold out 18 of their 25 games, were second in the nation in attendance and won the Coastal Plain League all in their first year.  Aldridge, who spent the summer as a “Banana Boy” dancing around the bases in French Maid and Banana costumes, is excited about the future of baseball in Savannah and with a job like this, how can you blame him?