Blab Sports
WMUR Launches Sports Equipment Drive Ahead of Banana Ball World Tour in Manchester
WMUR is hosting a sports equipment drive in Manchester, New Hampshire, to coincide with the arrival of the Banana Ball World Tour on June 18‑20. The drive will take place outside the Manchester Union Station, located at 100 South Commercial Street, and will run from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The station is a central hub for commuters and visitors, making it an accessible drop‑off point for the community.
The drive is open to new or gently used baseball, softball, and other sports gear. Items such as gloves, bats, cleats, balls, and protective equipment are welcome. WMUR encourages residents to bring any equipment that is no longer needed. The collected items will be distributed to local children through the station’s nonprofit partners, who work with schools and community programs to provide sports equipment to kids who might otherwise lack access.
The Banana Ball World Tour is a barnstorming exhibition baseball league that has been touring the United States since 2024. The tour features six teams—Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts, and Indianapolis Clowns—who play a fast‑paced, fan‑centric version of baseball. Manchester will host three games on June 18, 19, and 20, drawing thousands of baseball fans to the city. The event is part of the league’s effort to bring entertaining baseball to cities across the country and to promote community engagement.
WMUR, the ABC affiliate for the Manchester area, has a long history of serving the local community. The station’s studios are located on South Commercial Street, directly across from the Union Station drop‑off site. WMUR’s local news coverage has highlighted community initiatives such as the sports equipment drive, underscoring the station’s commitment to civic involvement.
The nonprofit partners that will receive the donated gear include local youth sports leagues and after‑school programs. These organizations rely on community support to keep registration fees affordable and to provide equipment for children who might otherwise be excluded from organized sports. By collecting gear in advance of the Banana Ball games, WMUR and its partners aim to give back to the community that welcomes the touring teams.
Community members who donate equipment can expect their items to be inspected for safety and condition before distribution. The drive is organized by WMUR volunteers, who coordinate with the station’s security staff and the nonprofit partners to ensure a smooth process. The station’s location outside the Union Station allows for easy access for commuters and visitors, many of whom will be attending the Banana Ball games.
The drive is part of a broader effort to promote sports participation among youth in Manchester. Local officials have noted that access to equipment is a barrier for many families, and initiatives like this help to level the playing field. The partnership between WMUR, the Union Station, and the nonprofit community reflects a collaborative approach to addressing that need.
As the city prepares for the Banana Ball World Tour, residents are encouraged to bring their used sports gear to the drop‑off site on the three scheduled days. The drive will run from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, and all items will be forwarded to local children in need. The event is a reminder that community support can turn a day of entertainment into a lasting benefit for young athletes in Manchester.
The drive is open to new or gently used baseball, softball, and other sports gear. Items such as gloves, bats, cleats, balls, and protective equipment are welcome. WMUR encourages residents to bring any equipment that is no longer needed. The collected items will be distributed to local children through the station’s nonprofit partners, who work with schools and community programs to provide sports equipment to kids who might otherwise lack access.
The Banana Ball World Tour is a barnstorming exhibition baseball league that has been touring the United States since 2024. The tour features six teams—Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts, and Indianapolis Clowns—who play a fast‑paced, fan‑centric version of baseball. Manchester will host three games on June 18, 19, and 20, drawing thousands of baseball fans to the city. The event is part of the league’s effort to bring entertaining baseball to cities across the country and to promote community engagement.
WMUR, the ABC affiliate for the Manchester area, has a long history of serving the local community. The station’s studios are located on South Commercial Street, directly across from the Union Station drop‑off site. WMUR’s local news coverage has highlighted community initiatives such as the sports equipment drive, underscoring the station’s commitment to civic involvement.
The nonprofit partners that will receive the donated gear include local youth sports leagues and after‑school programs. These organizations rely on community support to keep registration fees affordable and to provide equipment for children who might otherwise be excluded from organized sports. By collecting gear in advance of the Banana Ball games, WMUR and its partners aim to give back to the community that welcomes the touring teams.
Community members who donate equipment can expect their items to be inspected for safety and condition before distribution. The drive is organized by WMUR volunteers, who coordinate with the station’s security staff and the nonprofit partners to ensure a smooth process. The station’s location outside the Union Station allows for easy access for commuters and visitors, many of whom will be attending the Banana Ball games.
The drive is part of a broader effort to promote sports participation among youth in Manchester. Local officials have noted that access to equipment is a barrier for many families, and initiatives like this help to level the playing field. The partnership between WMUR, the Union Station, and the nonprofit community reflects a collaborative approach to addressing that need.
As the city prepares for the Banana Ball World Tour, residents are encouraged to bring their used sports gear to the drop‑off site on the three scheduled days. The drive will run from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, and all items will be forwarded to local children in need. The event is a reminder that community support can turn a day of entertainment into a lasting benefit for young athletes in Manchester.
