In August, Dudy Noble Field played host to Banana Ball—a high energy, fast-paced, entertainment-focused version of America’s favorite pastime. Headliners the Party Animals faced the Texas Tailgaters during the two night, sold out event. Left, top to bottom: Known for on-field, choreographed danced numbers and trick plays, the Party Animals welcome former Bulldog standout Mitch Moreland—a 2018 All-Star and World Series Champion—as a pinch hitter; Pharty, the Party Animals’ mascot, rings a giant cowbell with flair; legendary Bulldog Skipper Ron Polk guest coaches the Animals for one inning. Left: Famed Diamond Dawg hurler Jonathan Papelbon, who owns six All-Star titles and a World Series championship, returned to the Dudy Noble mound to face a Tailgater batter. Photos by MSU Athletics

A man stands on a baseball field holding a ball, surrounded by players in black uniforms with fluorescent trim, as an audience watches in the background.
A costumed mascot poses near a large cowbell structure on a baseball field, with spectators and buildings visible in the background.
A group of baseball players in black uniforms with neon accents walk across a field, some raising their hands and smiling, with spectators visible in the background.