He’s a Banana Now: Former URI Rams Pitcher Trystan Levesque to Play for the Savannah Bananas

Photo, top:  The Savannah Bananas announced on their social media platforms that the organization selected Trystan Levesque in the fifth round of the Banana Ball Championship League draft. (Image courtesy Savannah Bananas)

Trystan Levesque was all business as a starting pitcher for the University of Rhode Island baseball team. His laser focus contributed greatly to his success and to the Rams earning a trip to the NCAA Baseball Championship in his final season in 2025.

Six months after throwing his last pitch for URI, Levesque learned that his baseball career would continue as a “Banana.” The East Lyme, Connecticut native was drafted on Nov. 13 by the Savannah Bananas, one of six teams that plays exhibition baseball games in the entertaining Banana Ball Championship League.

“I took my baseball journey through college as seriously as possible and I will continue to do the same for the Savannah Bananas,” said Levesque. “I had to learn to be all business and serious about my craft, just as I will learn to be outgoing and create humor for the fans of Banana Ball.”

Banana Ball teams attract sellout crowds all over the country by using dancing, music, props, stunts, and tomfoolery to make baseball a fun, memorable experience for fans. The league was formed in 2020 when the Bananas played the first official game under “Banana Ball” rules.

Although Levesque attended a Banana Ball tryout in Philadelphia after being contacted via Instagram by Berry Aldridge, the director of recruiting for the Savannah Bananas, he was still surprised when his name was called in the draft.

“I was watching the draft with family and friends at a restaurant and had no idea I was being drafted prior to the selection,” said Levesque. “When I saw my name pop up on the bottom of the screen as it was announced, we all erupted with excitement. I first hugged my brother, as this was a huge accomplishment for me. It was a dream come true to play professional baseball and get to make the biggest impact on fans I could ever possibly dream of making.”

Raphael Cerrato, head coach of the URI baseball team, was just as excited for his former player.

“When Trystan was selected in the draft, we were very excited,” said Cerrato. “The Bananas are the most popular team in the league, which means Trystan will get to play in the best and largest venues. When I saw him the day after he was drafted, I don’t think I have ever seen him so excited.”

Levesque will start training with the Bananas in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 15. The team will play two games on the 2026 tour at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Aug. 28-29.

Trystan Levesque finished his baseball career at URI as one of the best pitchers in the history of the program. (URI Photos/Courtesy Connor Caldon)

The past two years have been an emotional roller coaster for Levesque. After only his second game played in his senior year in 2024, a hamstring injury sidelined Levesque for the rest of the season.

In 2025, Levesque made a momentous comeback. After rehabilitating his injury and earning his bachelor’s degree from URI in public health, with a minor in psychology from the College of Health Sciences, he returned to the baseball team as a graduate student. Pitching stronger than ever, Levesque established a program record by starting 16 games on the mound. An 8-2 record, 3.49 earned run average, and 95 strikeouts earned Levesque Second Team All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors.

Levesque’s stellar play continued in the post-season. In the A-10 Championship game, he led the Rams to victory, pitching 8.1 innings and striking out 10 batters.

“That was a bittersweet moment because it was my first year back from injury and it was my last year of eligibility,” said Levesque. “After winning that game it felt like all the hard work I put in to get back was worth it. I was very emotional to see my parents after the game because they saw the hard work I put in and they were so proud of me and my accomplishments throughout college.”

Levesque finished his URI career as the program’s leader in career starts (52), second in career wins (24), second in strikeouts (310), and third in innings pitched (306.2).

“I think Trystan will be remembered as one of the top three or four pitchers in Rhody baseball history,” said Cerrato. “He was one the smartest and hardest workers I have ever coached.”

Cerrato is convinced that Levesque’s work ethic will result in success with the Bananas.

“Since he tried out for the Banana Ball team in the summer, he has been all in,” said Cerrato. “I have no doubt that Trystan’s commitment and hard work will lead to success with the Bananas.”

When Levesque’s baseball career is eventually over, he plans to attend chiropractic school.

“I was registered for classes in January, but with this amazing opportunity to play baseball for the Bananas, chiropractic school will be put on hold,” said Levesque.