Savannah Bananas' return to Busch Stadium sets the stage for reunion of former Cardinals stars

The 2027 MLB season has plenty of uncertainty surrounding it and the Collective Bargaining negotiations will take center stage after the World Series concludes. This dead period will leave fans questioning when (or if) they will see their favorite players return to the field with team owners appearing indifferent to fan feelings.

While this offseason will create some uncomfortable and frustrating conversations, baseball fans will still be treated to a version of America's Pasttime again at Busch Stadium. Baseball elitists may be upset by the news, but the famous Savannah Bananas will once again be going on their World Tour with stops all around MLB stadiums next year. On April 10 and 11, the Bananas will return to Busch Stadium for the third time, following up extreme success of sell outs and positive fan experiences.

Former Cardinals could return to Busch Stadium when the Bananas come back to St. Louis

When the Bananas make appearances at professional sports venues, it is a common sight to see former players who were associated with that stadium. In St. Louis, for example, fans of the Bananas got to see Adam Wainwright, David Eckstein, Lance Lynn, David Freese, Jason Isringhausen, and Matt Carpenter at stops along the way. Other locations have had plenty of big names making an appearance in front of the packed stadiums and the same could be happening during their World Tour.

Bananas players are not direct competition to MLB in any way, and it is refreshing to see the league being open to new partnerships and ideas to grow the game. MLB teams have been accepting of the Banana Ball invasion and the continued agreement between the leagues shows that fans should get used to seeing bright yellow in their home stadiums for the foreseeable future. Since the owners are seemingly focused on increasing revenues, continuing the annual showcase of Savannah is an easy, family-friendly way to keep the ballparks packed on days the home team is on the road.

When the Bananas return to Busch in April, they will likely be greeted by yet another sellout crowd waiting for an entertaining show. The traveling squad usually has some extra tricks up their sleeves and the same should be expected for their biggest tour yet. While we could be seeing the return of previous Banana alumni, the Cardinals could go all out in their next weekend of games. This could mean some big names could be displaying the bright yellow uniforms as they return to the field after hanging up the cleats.

1. Rick Ankiel

One player who has been working his way back into the media spotlight is Rick Ankiel. The former pitcher and outfielder would get a massive crowd pop if he were to be announced as a guest performer/player when the Bananas take over Busch. After going through the yips as a pitcher, Ankiel made an incredible comeback, returning as an outfielder and extending his career with the bat.

During his three comeback seasons with the Cardinals, Ankiel hit 47 homers and drove in 148 runs while still showcasing his massive arm from the outfield. In September of 2025, Ankiel made it back on MLB's homepage after participating in Home Run Derby X with Adam Wainwright and college softball player Taylor Shumaker. That trio ended up winning the event and maybe that return to competition could ignite Ankiel's desire to return to Busch one more time as a Savannah Banana.

2. Members of the Gateway Gold pro softball team

One thing that the Bananas do extremely well is make the experience noteworthy for all ages and backgrounds. They have done an awesome job of including athletes, celebrities, and other notable people from the area to keep fans excited in more than just the baseball. This inclusivity has brought in all types of familiar faces and has also expanded to included plenty of female stars on the field.

Former teammate of mine Kelsie Whitmore became one of the faces of the Bananas during their last tour before she showed out in the Women's Professional Baseball League and her success has opened the door for more females in the game. The expansion of professional women sports has been an amazing trend that sets up for great success in the future and the latest news on that front is the St. Louis Gateway Gold being added to the Professional Softball League next year. To help the league grow and bring more notoriety to the PSL, the Bananas could partner up with members of the Gateway Gold and bring a player or two into Busch.

3. Albert Pujols/Yadier Molina/Adam Wainwright

Finally, because of the massive fanbase that the Bananas continue to draw, it would make sense for the Cardinals to go all out and match their vibe. My final possibility for player cameos in April will be the hardest logistically, but provide some of the most excitement out of any place on tour.

If schedules work out, it would be awesome to see Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina take the field again while joining Banana-alum Adam Wainwright on the mound one last time. Molina's schedule may be a hang up as the future Hall of Famer is technically on the St. Louis coaching staff but his time with the team was sporadic and inconsistent. If he takes on a larger role with the Cardinals, chances are that he would be on the road with the team when the Bananas are in St. Louis.

For Pujols, his offseason will have plenty of interest surrounding the 703-homer man. He has constantly been mentioned as a managerial candidate and has a mutual desire to return to the dugout. Where and when that will be remains a massive question, but Pujols has been successful in his stints as a coach in multiple international contests.

Wainwright is the easier one to forecast, especially since he has done it before. He could be used as a connecting piece from the Bananas to his former teammates and could convince them to join in the fun. Since retiring, Waino has been on multiple baseball broadcasts and has been pegged as a future voice in the booth when he is ready.

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