The Savannah Bananas Came to Philly and Absolutely Crushed It - With Some Help From the 2008 Phillies

The Savannah Bananas put on a show for the ages on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.

If you're unfamiliar with the Bananas, think Harlem Globetrotters but baseball. Check out this back flip catch and you'll get the idea.

The Bananas and their unique form of ball exploded in popularity over the last few years, as evidenced by the crowd of 45,000+ that packed the Bank (official capacity 42,901). Banana-heads in Philly were expecting a fun show. But the team exceeded expectations, doing its homework on Philadelphia sports and tailoring its antics specifically to capture the city's heart.

The result was a masterclass in pandering to the locals. There were Rocky references, a Philly Special, and a tush push. Walk-up music included the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song and Meek Mill's Dreams and Nightmares . And at the center of it all, several surprise guests from the beloved World Champion of Baseball 2008 Phillies.

A promotional video from the Bananas early in the day hinted at the thoughtful work the team put in behind all the wackiness. Sure, Rocky references are low-hanging fruit when it comes to the Art of the Pander. But look at how carefully the dance at the top of the art museum steps mimics Stallone's jig from the original film:

The city loves the pander. Yearns for the pander. But it can spot a half-hearted effort a mile away. It's why we all groan when Monday Night Football runs its tired cheesesteaks-sizzling-on-the-grill shots as it returns from commercial breaks. They're just mailing it in.

But, this. THIS is how you pander:

Bring Shane Victorino up to bat.

Bring Joe Blanton out to the mound

How about some Jamie Moyer?? (The Phillies now have an abundance of fifth-starter options in the area. Just sayin'.)

Still not impressed? What if they bring Ryan got-damned Howard out in a got-damned golden helmet?!

Here's the aforementioned Philly Special.

And here's the Bananas' opponents, the Party Animals (think Washington Generals), running the tush push:

Let's toss in a nod to the Mummers. Because why not.

Sprinkle in the city's unofficial October anthem and hell yeah, now we're pandering with fire!!! (Yes, the Phillies have ditched the song, but we'll cut the Bananas some slack on this one.)

What a night. What a show. It's enough to make Bryce Harper, king of the panderers , blush under his vintage Eagles hat.