857. Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Infielder & Runner
Ali on the Run Show
Ali Feller
4.9 • 4.2K Ratings
🗓️ 31 December 2025
⏱️ 68 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
"I think there are a lot of athletes out there that are just so scared to show who they truly are and what they like because of their teammates and their coaches. And they're trying to get to the next level, and they're like, 'Oh well, if I like this then I'm not gonna get to the next level.' It's actually the opposite. You're probably gonna play better if you show who you truly are, because you're more free."
Everyone loves Jackson Olson. The Savannah Bananas infielder is on a mission to make baseball more fun — and he's doing just that. Jackson has made a name for himself playing Banana Ball, which is like the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. The exhibition-style games include full-on performances with choreography, lip syncing, and walk-ups designed to delight the sold-out stadium crowds. In this conversation, Jackson talks about his road to the Bananas, and his road to becoming a runner. This fall, Jackson ran his first race — the Disney Wine & Dine 5K — and now he's training for a 10K in January while figuring out how running fits into his busy baseball season. Plus, talking Taylor Swift, Disney World, and how Jackson found his voice and his confidence.
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In this episode:
- On identifying as a runner (2:40)
- Jackson shares the journey to his first 5K, and his impressions of the running community (5:00)
- Why Jackson turned down an offer to go pro out of college (13:55)
- How Jackson learned to embrace his Disney-loving Swiftie side (20:40)
- How Jackson became a Savannah Banana (29:30)
- All about the theatrics behind the Bananas, including how Jackson pulled off his "Life of a Showgirl" walkup the day after The Life of a Showgirl was released (34:45)
- What it was life living out a childhood dream: playing at Yankee Stadium (43:25)
- Taylor Swift talk! (48:30)
- Will we see Jackson on Dancing With the Stars? (58:00)
- How Jackson is feeling heading into this season with the Bananas (1:02:00)
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Allie on the Run show. I'm your host, Allie Feller, and this is where I talk |
| 0:08.8 | with people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond. From professional athletes and |
| 0:14.1 | celebrity runners to the everyday amateur and back of the pack runner, we are here to celebrate |
| 0:19.0 | everyone and anyone who enjoys a life on the run. |
| 0:22.8 | So whether you are running towards something big or away from something that's been holding you back, |
| 0:27.2 | I am here to hold your hand and help you pick up the pace. We've got a dream guest alert today. |
| 0:32.9 | I am so psyched to welcome Jackson Olson to the Alley on the Run Show. Jackson plays for the |
| 0:39.1 | Savannah Bananas. Surely by now you've heard of Banana Ball. The Savannah Bananas are an |
| 0:44.3 | exhibition baseball team. They're often likened to the Harlem Globetrotters, but for baseball. |
| 0:49.5 | Their games aren't just about baseball. They are putting on a show for the thousands and thousands and thousands and |
| 0:56.5 | thousands of fans that pack these sold-out stadiums. They have full-on performances, including |
| 1:01.9 | choreography, costumes, and audience interactions. They are so fun. And it's not a surprise that |
| 1:07.9 | Jackson is one of the team's stars in so many ways. |
| 1:11.5 | You'll hear all about his road to the bananas in this episode. |
| 1:14.7 | But I know what you're thinking. |
| 1:16.3 | Allie, you famously don't know your way around ball sports. |
| 1:20.2 | And you're right. |
| 1:20.8 | I mean, I know baseball, but you're mostly right. |
| 1:23.3 | I do know dance, though. |
| 1:24.9 | I know choreography. |
| 1:26.1 | I know viral videos. |
| 1:27.7 | And I know running. |
... |
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