Sometimes, sports can be stressful, especially at the youth level when kids are still trying to learn the game and compete at the same time. That is why one local youth baseball team is throwing a changeup and putting fun at the forefront.
Having fun while playing baseball is the goal for the South Florida Smash – a 10-year-old baseball team out of Fort Myers. Head Coach Jayson DiMaria created the team to redefine what youth baseball is all about and make sure his players are enjoying the sport, just like he did as a kid.
“We’ve always focused on faith, fun and fundamentals," DiMaria said.
Those three F's have led to a brand of baseball you don't usually see. The Smash play music during games, dance around, have choreographed walk-ups, wear silly costumes, and have trick plays.
“It’s awesome," Smash first baseman Jayden DiMaria said. "It’s so fun.”
“I like having fun and doing trick plays," Smash shortstop Matthew Locascio added.
Their crazy techniques have even caught the eye of the craziest baseball team in America — the Savannah Bananas.
“The Savannah Bananas actually found out about us because all of the fun we have," DiMaria said.
The Bananas have become a countrywide sensation over the past few years. The team is full of former college and professional baseball players who incorporate dancing, music, skits and other unique experiences into their games. The Bananas have drawn so much attention that they now tour all across America each summer, selling out pretty much every city they go to.
With their similar play styles, South Florida and Savannah are teaming up. The Bananas have invited the Smash to their Banana Ball Youth Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, this week.
“I was excited because I’ve been watching the Savannah Bananas for a long time," Smash catcher Adrian Mojica said. "I just want to be there with them.”
Ever since they got the invite, the Smash have been hard at work perfecting their baseball and dancing skills.
The boys will compete against other Banana-like teams from all over the country, go to a Bananas game, and have an unforgettable experience.