Five young Ocean County ballplayers learned the tricks of exhibition baseball trade this past week.
The members of the Stafford Hitmen travel baseball team were among 900 players chosen to come to Cleveland, and learn from the Savannah Bananas.
Dubbed "the greatest show in sports" by ESPN, the Bananas have sold out every game since they began in 2016. They are known for trick plays, dance numbers and
The Bananas play their own version of baseball called Banana Ball, which features new rules to make the game more fast-paced and entertaining.
Jason and Baylon were nominated for Most Valuable Banana in 10 and under. The local Hitmen that traveled to Cleveland were Chase Bavuso of Tuckerton and Xander Kopenhafer of Stafford in the 9 and under league, and 10 and unders Baylon Jackson of Barnegat, Jason Scardone of Lacey and Patrick Robillard of Stafford.
During the week, the kids got to learn the new rules, and made their own mark.
Baylon and Jason were nominated for Most Valuable Banana 10 and under, with Jason taking the title.
Chase was named top trickster 9 and under.
Chase — top trickster 9 and under — jumps over teammate Xander. Atlantic City also was represented.
Kyshawn Wyman of Hit Nation Empire made a mix for the boys to enter.
"He mixed some baseball favorites and added their name to the mix so these boys had something special to set them apart from the other teams," explained Baylon's mom, Marcia Arnsparger Santiago Jackson.
Five young players from Ocean County trained with the Savannah Bananas
