TEMECULA – Kelsie Whitmore continues to rewrite baseball history. Signing with the Savannah Bananas, she enters a new chapter in her already illustrious career, bringing with her a reputation for breaking barriers. Whitmore’s story is one of determination and continual progress, inspiring an entire generation of athletes. Known for her outstanding skills and fearlessness on the field, this Temecula-born talent has redefined expectations—and now, she’s adding a flair to the entertaining world of Banana Ball.
Whitmore’s signing with the Savannah Bananas is more than just an addition to a team; it represents a shift in the sport’s culture. The Bananas, renowned for transforming baseball into a spectacle of fun and showmanship, see her as an invaluable asset to their mission. Her groundbreaking achievements, such as being the first woman to start in the Atlantic League while playing for the Staten Island FerryHawks, bring a level of credibility and inclusivity to the Banana Ball phenomenon.
This isn’t just baseball as usual. Banana Ball is known for its high-energy performances and game-changing rule modifications. Players engage in choreographed routines, fans cheer for trick plays, and the experience feels closer to a festival than a traditional game. For Whitmore, it’s another opportunity to step up, excel, and prove that talent transcends expectations. Southern California fans will get a chance to see Kelsie Whitmore in action when the Bananas play at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on May 30-31, 2025, and at Petco Park in San Diego on September 5-6, 2025.
Looking back, Whitmore’s career is defined by firsts. At Temecula Valley High School, she was the only female on her high school baseball team, a statement of her ability and drive amid entrenched norms. Following this, a full-ride softball scholarship to Cal State Fullerton saw her shine even brighter, eventually earning Conference Player of the Year.
Her leap into professional baseball began at just 18, signing with the Sonoma Stompers. From there, Whitmore’s trailblazing path led her to groundbreaking roles in the Atlantic League and Pioneer League, where she proved she belonged on the mound and in the batter’s box against the toughest competition. Whether pitching or in the lineup, her skills have consistently spoken for themselves.
Notably, during her time with the Oakland Ballers, Whitmore became the first woman to start in a Pioneer League game. She pitched against some of the league’s most talented players, demonstrating once again that she thrives on meeting challenges head-on.
Whitmore’s talents have earned her recognition internationally, amplifying her influence in the baseball world. From 2014 onward, she became a fixture on the USA Women’s National Baseball Team. The 2015 Pan American Games was a career highlight, where she helped secure gold for her country. More recently, the 2024 World Cup in Canada brought new accolades, including a silver medal and recognition as the top pitcher of the tournament.
Further cementing her prominence, Whitmore was named USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year in 2022. Beyond representing her country, these achievements serve as inspiration for countless girls and women who dream of taking the field themselves.
Entering the Savannah Bananas’ world isn’t just about upping the entertainment ante—it’s a continuation of Whitmore’s impact on baseball as a whole. Known for their viral moments and rule-bending approach, the Bananas are reshaping how the sport is seen. Whitmore, with her pedigree and competitive edge, brings a seriousness to the spectacle, proving that substance and entertainment can coexist in sports.
“Baseball is for everyone,” Whitmore has said in interviews, and her career demonstrates this unequivocally. Her transition to the Bananas is another way of making the game accessible, ensuring no door is closed to anyone with the talent and drive to play.
The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) represents an exciting new chapter in the history of the sport, and Whitmore is preparing to make her mark. Set to launch with six teams by 2026, the league offers an all-women professional space that celebrates talent and hard work.
For Whitmore, participating in the WPBL’s inaugural tryouts is another step toward expanding the field for women in baseball. Her presence in the league sends a clear signal to players worldwide—there is a place for them to excel at the highest levels.
Though her accolades on the field are impressive, Whitmore’s influence reaches even further through her apparel brand, “BE YOU.” The brand captures her philosophy of owning individuality and finding strength through self-acceptance.
The apparel line sends a message to young athletes and individuals alike, encouraging them to avoid fitting into the molds others expect and instead thrive by staying authentic. Whitmore’s own experiences serve as the perfect backdrop for the brand’s ethos. Her path to success, filled with challenges and milestones, is a reminder that reaching for the top often means carving your own lane.
Whether pitching for Team USA, donning a Savannah Bananas jersey, or promoting her brand, Whitmore is leading by example. Her “BE YOU” mantra is one that resonates deeply beyond the sport and into personal freedom and empowerment.
Kelsie Whitmore’s story is far from over. Joining the Savannah Bananas puts her in a unique space to both entertain and educate audiences about the depth of the game she loves. Meanwhile, her future role with the WPBL will continue to help pave the way for future generations of women to dream even bigger.
From Temecula’s fields to international competitions and now the viral world of Banana Ball, Whitmore exemplifies what it means to push beyond traditional expectations. Her story resonates as a rallying cry for athletes everywhere, proving that those who dare to step forward and be seen can truly inspire change.
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