Pasek & Paul and Atlantic Records are teaming up with the Savannah Bananas for the baseball team’s first original single, “Show Starts Now,” according to Billboard. The project is being released through Ampersand, the multimedia company founded by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
The song is performed by Savannah Bananas entertainer, pitcher and Broadway star Derek Klena. It was written by Pasek & Paul with Cal Shapiro, Ashley Gorley and Ben Johnson, and was first previewed earlier this summer during a surprise performance at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.
In a statement, Pasek & Paul said they have been fans of the Savannah Bananas and Klena for years and were excited to help create Banana Ball’s first original anthem. Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole called the collaboration a milestone for the organization.
According to Billboard, the Savannah Bananas will perform “Show Starts Now” live when they open the 2026 ESPY Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. The song is set to arrive on streaming platforms at midnight.
