Broncos GM’s Nephew Electrifies Sold-Out Coors Field in Bananas Show
The Baseball Circus Comes to Town: Meet Eli Paton, the Trick-Throwing Third Baseman with a Famous Uncle
Who Is Eli Paton?
Imagine a baseball player who can hit towering home runs, dance between pitches, and throw a baseball behind his back from third base to first base — on a perfect line, every time. That’s Eli Paton.
He plays for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of six teams in the Banana Ball League — the traveling, entertainment-packed version of baseball made famous by the Savannah Bananas.
Important Point: This isn’t just a comedy show. The games are real, competitive, and played by serious athletes — including former Major Leaguers like Jackie Bradley Jr. (2018 ALCS MVP).
The Famous Uncle Connection
Eli’s uncle is George Paton — the General Manager of the Denver Broncos.
- George missed Friday’s game because he was in Atlanta for the Broncos’ preseason opener.
- But he made it to Coors Field on Saturday to watch Eli play, along with Eli’s parents, Frank and Hailey.
- George says Eli was always the hardest worker, best athlete, and straight-A student in his peer group.
- Bonus: Eli is a diehard Broncos fan and plans to watch Denver play the Rams at Empower Field this season.
What Makes the Savannah Bananas (and the Clowns) So Different?
Think of it like baseball meets a circus meets a dance party. Here’s what fans see:
- Choreographed team dances
- Backflip and cartwheel catches
- Show-time entrances for batters
- Players in the stands talking to fans all game long
- 15–20 “never seen before” moments every single game
Important Point: The league’s motto is “Fans First.” Players engage with the crowd constantly — it’s part of the job.
But Wait — Is It Real Baseball?
Yes. 100%.
- The Indianapolis Clowns are not the Washington Generals (the team that always loses to the Harlem Globetrotters).
- Eli says: “We compete our butts off. We want to win every game.”
- Record proof: The Clowns have beaten the Bananas 4 out of 7 times.
- The Bananas’ record? 26–20 — barely over .500. That’s not a fixed show.
Eli’s Wild Ride to This Moment
Eli’s path wasn’t a straight line. Here’s the journey in steps:
- Grew up in Pasadena, CA — wanted to follow his dad, uncle, and grandpa (all UCLA football players).
- Star baseball recruit out of Marantha High School — 6’3", 205 lbs, lefty power hitter.
- Accepted scholarship to UCLA — dream come true.
- COVID hit + tore his meniscus freshman year → only 8 at-bats in 2022.
- Transferred to Grand Canyon University (GCU) — fell in love with baseball again.
- Junior & Senior years: Team captain, .295 average, 17 HRs, 80 RBIs in 114 games.
- Pro debut: Independent league in Montana (Glacier Range Riders) — nearly 100 games in 105 days, less than minimum wage.
- Thought about quitting — getting a “real job.”
- Heard about Banana Ball tryouts — reached out, showed up dressed as Ken from the Barbie movie.
- Drafted in the 6th round by the expansion Indianapolis Clowns.
- Moved to Savannah, GA in a month — started a whole new career.
Life in the Banana Ball League
- All 6 teams are based in Savannah, Georgia.
- Each plays a 60-game schedule — half at home, half barnstorming across the country in MLB stadiums.
- This year: 3.1 million fans expected.
- Coors Field? Sold out. They’re playing in six big-league ballparks total.
- Eli’s stats so far: .303 average, 8 HRs (7th in league), first grand slam in Clowns history (only 2nd in Bananas history).
- And yes — he still throws behind his back to first base. On a line. Every time.
Important Point: Eli says playing in sold-out MLB stadiums is “one of the coolest experiences I could ever ask for” — especially after thinking his baseball career was over last year.
Summary
Eli Paton’s story is a wild mix of talent, resilience, and showmanship. From a discouraged college player to a star in a sold-out, fan-first baseball circus, he’s living a dream he didn’t know existed. And with his famous uncle George Paton cheering from the stands, the Paton family legacy just got a whole lot more entertaining.
FAQ
Q: Are the Savannah Bananas and Indianapolis Clowns real baseball teams?
A: Yes! They play real, competitive games with real rules — but they add entertainment (dances, tricks, fan interaction) between plays.
Q: Is Eli Paton related to the Broncos’ GM?
A: Yes — George Paton is his uncle. George is a huge supporter and attended Eli’s game at Coors Field.
Q: How did Eli get into the Banana Ball League?
A: After a tough independent league season, he tried out (dressed as Ken from Barbie), got drafted by the Clowns, and moved to Savannah within a month.
Q: Do the Clowns actually try to win?
A: Absolutely. They’ve beaten the Bananas 4 out of 7 times. Eli says, “We compete our butts off.”
Q: Where can I see them play?
A: They barnstorm across the U.S. in MLB stadiums — check the Savannah Bananas’ schedule for a city near you.