Loco Beach Coconuts vs Indianapolis Clowns Game

 Avery and Dad's resting before the big game between the new Banana Ball teams, the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, was rudely interrupted by a very loud fire alarm.  Housekeeping was quick to say it was a false alarm and to stay in our room.  Yet, when the alarms didn't stop for about 3-4 minutes, Dad took another look into the hallway only to be greeted by a fully dressed and slightly stressed out looking fireman!  Turns out it wasn't a false alarm, 4 floors above us a AC unit was really on fire in one of the  corner rooms of the hotel.  We quickly grabbed our stuff and walked outside at the fireman's directive to see multiple fire trucks already onsite and hoses being connected to all available hydrants.  Not knowing how long it would be till the all clear was given and knowing we had the few things we needed, we went walking to the stadium about a 1/2 mile down the road.

If you go to Banana Ball games, its a good idea to show up early, the pre-party started 3 hours before the game and at no time were Dad nor Avery not entertained.

Hanging with Peter Colada and Coco

Like the kickoff event the night prior, the Coconuts players were first to the plaza and again were out to meet fans, sign autographs, and just play around and have fun with the crowd.

Avery giving her John Hancock to Blake Benson!

One new addition (literally announce to the team the week prior) was the addition of Mo'ne Davis.  Avery did not know who she was, but Dad instantly remembered her and her name... and its all Avery's fault!  Mo'ne Davis was best known for being a fireball throwing 12 year old pitcher during the 2014 Little League World Series.  In fact, she threw a complete game shut out on August 15, 2014 (when Avery was only 5-days old) while Dad and Avery watched on the couch.

Mo'ne and the Holdens

As the plaza party continued, Avery and Dad went to a special side entrance area where a smaller group was as we had BBB (Banana Ball Backstage) tickets.  This gave early access into the stadium with a special on field access where all the players from both teams came out for an even more intimate and fun experience.  Avery had made a few gifts from fusion beads, one for each team that she gave to a player on each.

Dalton getting the Ukulele 

Avery giving the Clowns Shoes to Coach Fox and Kobe Robinson

In addition to the fusion beads, Avery also made a special necklace for Malachi Mitchell, a.k.a. Flash the Kid.  Malachi was very grateful to receive and add to his collection and immediately put it on and gave Avery a big thank you hug.

Dad was concerned the necklace was a bit to tight and thought Malachi was just being nice putting it on, but then Avery was watching the Clowns next games a week later, and there on the top of his collection was the maroon necklace Avery made still on his neck!

After a big group photo on the infield with all the BBB participants and players, it was back off the field to get some food and drinks and get ready for the game to come.

Part of the BBB experience includes a potential "golden ticket" experience.  You don't know if you got one or what it is, just a ticket with a time and place to meet.  Ours ended up being a 15 minute time period where we invited into the Clowns dugout just before the game!

While the dugout was very cool, our seats weren't too bad either, row 1 right off home plate!

Look! We're Famous!!!

The game was a lot of fun, the Coconuts have a great theme that works well with the crowd and the Clowns do a great job leaning into the history of their team name.  Being at a smaller park than an MLB stadium or a large football stadium that is seen more on TV or social media also has a bonus in that everything seems more accessible and relatable and just a fun overall experience.  Not to mention they play pretty good baseball as well

Unfortunately we did have to head home, but not before stopping at the Dunkin Donuts that had a Banana Ball player experience (luckily on our way home).

Inside Dunkin, Chris Burgess and Fisher Polydoroff from the Clowns and Blake Benson and Will Ethridge from the Coconuts meeting with their fans.

We got some Dunkin swag and some food to go and headed back to the ATL after a quick and successful trip!

Banana Ball in Charleston

For Avery's Spring Break, it was Dad's turn to have Avery show him the full Banana Ball experience.  Dad and Avery jumped in the car and headed to downtown Charleston, South Carolina where there was a weekend series to be played at the baseball stadium home of the Charleston Riverdogs.  Upon arriving in Charleston Avery and Dad headed to Folly Beach, a popular beach island just south of Charleston and a place the Holden's had yet to explore.

 It was an unusually chilly weekend in Charleston and very windy.  After a quick walk on the beach, we headed to the town center and grabbed a quick bite to eat.  Avery was very happy that hot chocolate was available on the menu!

The following day was filled with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium as well as a long shopping excursion up and down King St.

That evening is when the fun really started with the Loco Beach Coconuts Kickoff Party.  All of the players for the team were present as were the entertainment crew.  The evening included necklace/bracelet making, hula hoop contests, and fun DJ dance party.

Hanging with the Hula-gans!

Avery had a great time meeting all the players.  The kickoff event allowed very easy access to all and the players were genuinely excited and happy interacting with all the fans.

Denae Benites and Avery

Fan favorite Dalton Mauldin

The next morning, Avery and Dad woke early and hoped on a small boat at Shem Creek to head out to Morris Island to do some shark teeth hunting.

The weather had warmed and the wind died down allowing a fun and leisurely walk on the beach where about 20 sharks teeth were procured along with some sea shell keepers.

Got to get your feet wet!

After getting back to drier land, a quick stop at our favorite pub (Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island) for lunch, we were back to our hotel resting and getting ready for the big game that evening.