Shop Wilson.com
Bill LeRoy and the Savannah Bananas™ are Changing the Game
Meet Bill LeRoy and learn about his experience playing for the Savannah Bananas™
EvoShield is thrilled to have partnered with the remarkable Savannah Bananas baseball team and provided them with their gear for the 2023 Banana Ball World Tour. The players wear EvoShield Pro-Srz™ 2.0 Batter’s Protective Gear, warm-up apparel, jerseys, batting helmets, batting gloves, and more. Read more about EvoShield’s partnership with the Savannah Bananas HERE.
Want the gear the players have? The X-SRZ™ Savannah Bananas collection just launched. You can get the Elbow Guard, Leg Guard, and Youth Leg guard Today. Shop the entire collection HERE.
Savannah Bananas catcher Bill LeRoy proudly wears EvoShield catcher’s gear. The Dublin, Georgia native joined the Bananas in 2018, while they were in the Coastal Plains League. And his iconic “tornado throw” makes him one of the most well-known players on the team. He was kind enough to sit down with us for a Q&A to shed light on his life and journey as catcher. Join us as we learn more about LeRoy and his experience as a member of the Savannah Bananas.
Bill LeRoy Q&A
When did you start getting into catching?
LeRoy: I started catching at a young age, around 10 years old! I was a good shortstop, but we needed somebody who wasn’t scared of the ball. I fell in love with being involved with every pitch!
Where did you grow up?
LeRoy: I grew up in Dublin, Georgia, a small town right in the heart of Georgia, and played at West Laurens High School. After high school, I played five years at the University of North Georgia!
The Bananas are the hottest ticket in baseball right now. When did you become a Savannah Banana™?
LeRoy: I started playing with the Savannah Bananas in 2018 when we were in the Coastal Plains League. It was my sophomore year of college, and I was on a temporary contract. I was only supposed to be here for a few days, but I made a big impression and made good connections! So, a couple day contract has turned into a 6-year career and counting.
What has your experience been like being part of the Savannah Bananas™?
LeRoy: It has been a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play on a big stage, have a platform, and impact people. This job didn’t even exist a couple years ago, but now we are traveling the world while doing all those things and more. Truly a blessing from God!
Your signature move is the behind the back catch throw down. How much practice went into being able to master that move?
LeRoy: Lots of practice went into “the tornado throw” before I tried it on the field! I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’m getting more and more consistent with each day of working on it. I have worked on it almost every day for the last year or so!
Tell us about the Catcher’s Gear you’re wearing this year.
LeRoy: The catcher’s gear I’m wearing this year is so cool! The cheetah print chest protector gets so many comments at our games. Not only does it look good, but the quality of the gear keeps me safe and comfortable through the long season.
What’s been your favorite city on the 2023 Banana Ball Tour?
LeRoy: It’s hard to pick a favorite city because all of them have been awesome! If I had to pick one, I think it would be Nashville!
Tell us about an interaction you’ve had with a fan, parent, or kid that resonated with you.
LeRoy: Connecting with kids and families happens at each game! The biggest touching moment for me so far was our visit to the children’s hospital in Texas and the Smile a Mile childhood cancer hospital. The children I have met through these 2 places are some of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met. I hope I impacted them as much as they impacted me!
What does being a Savannah Banana mean to you?
LeRoy: Being a Savannah Banana means being a selfless person to all coaches, teammates, staff members, and fans! It also means bringing joy to the game of baseball. Showing you can have fun and be competitive. Inspiring the younger generation to have fun and not put so much pressure on their self! We put our Fans First by putting on a great show, creating the best experience possible, and spreading joy to them with personal or online interactions.
2024 is coming up quick. What’s one thing you want to see on the 2024 Banana Ball Tour?
LeRoy: I’m so excited for 2024! I would love to take Banana Ball out of the country and play in some big-league ball parks. Big things coming, we are blessed!
To keep up with Bill LeRoy, follow him on Instagram and Twitter. And be sure to follow the Savannah Bananas on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
For all the latest gear updates from the Banana Ball World Tour, follow @evoshield on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
