Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Ten days after the world-famous Savannah Bananas announced its 2026 World Tour, a former Mid-Penn and minor league pitcher earned one of the organization’s top awards. West Perry grad Ben Dum, a first-year member of “The Firefighters,” one of the Bananas’ rivals, was recently named Pitcher of the Year. Dum III, who earlier this year went viral with his “handstand pitch,” essentially went through a one-year audition for the chance to officially join ‘Banana Ball in the spring. Dum was a three-time PennLive Big 11 pick who still holds West Perry records in single-season ERA (0.29), career wins (34), strikeouts (335), innings pitched (278 2/3) and more. Following a successful career at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dum was signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent and pitched parts of six seasons with the Twins and Atlanta Braves. The Banana Ball Championship League will feature four games in Pennsylvania involving The Firefighters, who will play the Loco Beach Coconuts May 22-23 at PNC Field in Scranton. The Firefighters and Party Animals also will play a two-game set August 7-8 at Coca Cola Park in Allentown. Fans have until Oct. 31 to join the Banana Ball ticket lottery on the Savannah Bananas website for the opportunity to purchase perhaps the toughest ticket in sports. Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter -- @threejacker
