By Hailey Wilkinson
Sold-out stadiums. 11 million followers on social media. Dances that go viral overnight. Their following isn’t just crazy – it’s bananas.
And one University of West Georgia alumnus, Daniel Oberst ’21, thrives as a player on the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team that puts the fan experience first.
From standout performances with UWG Baseball to captivating audiences with the Savannah Bananas, Dan Oberst’s journey in baseball is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. During his time at UWG, Oberst was a key player on the baseball team, contributing both offensively and defensively.
“Playing under Coach Jeff Smith, he always led from the top and set a good example for me and my teammates,” Oberst said. “The culture at UWG really set me up for success when I got to Savannah but also for life in general.”
Oberst’s collegiate performance earned him accolades and laid the foundation for his post-collegiate career. Transitioning to the Savannah Bananas marked a defining moment for him, as he initially joined their summer collegiate league.
“It wasn’t that much of a change because at the time we weren’t playing Banana Ball,” Oberst recalled, referring to the team’s signature, fast-paced version of the sport. “But coming here in 2019 changed the trajectory of my career. I was around so many new baseball minds and high-level players, and it helped me develop a lot as a player.”
Now a key member of one of the most recognizable teams in baseball, Oberst reflects on the unique entertainment-focused experience the Bananas offer. With 2.7 million followers on Instagram and a history of selling out Major League Baseball stadiums across the country, the Bananas have grown into a national phenomenon.
“Our motto is the ‘Fans First Experience,’ and that goes 24/7,” Oberst said. “Whether it’s on or off the field, I’m always trying to represent the brand in a positive light, making sure fans have a good experience.”
But Oberst’s role with the Bananas goes beyond the game. It’s about putting on a show, too, an aspect he embraces with enthusiasm.
“To me, I’m still just the same player that played at UWG,” he shared. “Sure, the Bananas are big, and our social media has grown, but I just try to give fans a good experience when they recognize me.”
When asked what advice he’d give current UWG students or aspiring athletes, Oberst points to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
“Seek out those people who stand out to you, whether it’s how they approach their education, their sport or their life,” he advised. “I wanted to be like Cade Marlowe, another UWG Baseball alum, who was very professional and had clear goals. Being around people like that helped me grow and get to where I wanted to be.”
Oberst also speaks fondly of the tight-knit environment in the Bananas’ clubhouse, where he finds a culture of support and individuality.
“The locker room and the guys are what I enjoy most,” he shared. “Everyone’s encouraged to be themselves, and it makes for some really fun and unique times.”
As for his future, Oberst remains committed to the Bananas.
“I want to be here as long as they’ll have me in a yellow uniform,” he concluded. “I’ve been with the Bananas since 2019, and I’m excited to see where we can go next. Maybe someday I’ll move into coaching, but for now, I’m just enjoying playing.”
