WILLIAMSBURG — Ben Parker, a William & Mary baseball player, has earned the opportunity to play baseball for the Loco Beach Coconuts, a new member team of the Savannah Bananas league.
Parker played baseball as a graduate student at William & Mary in 2024 and 2025. During his time on the diamond at Plumeri Park, Parker earned numerous honors, including being named the 2025 CAA Co-Player of the Year, and was the 2024-25 recipient of the university’s Provost Award.
Parker was drafted by the team as an outfielder on Nov. 13. He took to Instagram to celebrate the news.
“Could not be happier with tonight, something I’ve been dreaming of and will never forget. Can’t thank everyone enough. Let’s get this show running,” Parker said.
Entering the 2026 Banana Ball season, the Loco Beach Coconuts are the newest team in the Savannah Bananas Banana Ball Championship League. The team’s home, Loco Beach, is a fictional place of sun, sand and surf.
According to the league, Banana Ball has become the fastest and most entertaining game in sports. With 11 unique rules, Banana Ball strips away the often criticized lulls and lengthy pauses typical of traditional baseball, delivering a high-octane and entertainment-packed game.
The Loco Beach Coconuts will open the 2026 season against The Firefighters in Tallahassee, Florida, on Feb. 26.
To learn more, visit bananaball.com.