Baton Rouge, August 18, 2025

News Summary

Baton Rouge thrilled as Zach Watson made a dramatic return at Alex Box Stadium, clinching victory for the Texas Tailgaters with a game-winning run and an inside-the-park home run against the Party Animals. The event featured former LSU greats and showcased the excitement of the Banana Ball league. Fans celebrated Watson’s homecoming, reminiscing about his college glory while supporting his current achievements.

Baton Rouge Celebrates Zach Watson’s Dramatic Return at Alex Box Stadium

Baton Rouge was alive with excitement over the weekend of August 8th and 9th, 2025, as Zach Watson, a star player for the Texas Tailgaters, scored the game-winning run against the Party Animals during a thrilling series of games known as Showdowns. This moment marked a significant return for Watson, who previously played for the LSU Tigers from 2016 to 2019, leading the team to the College World Series during his college career.

Watson’s heroic performance took place at Alex Box Stadium, his former playing ground, where he not only made an unforgettable comeback but also thrilled fans with a remarkable inside-the-park home run. This run clinched a weekend sweep for the Tailgaters over the Party Animals, leaving the crowd roaring with delight.

The excitement of the weekend wasn’t limited to just Watson. Other former LSU Tiger greats, including Ryan Theriot, Cade Beloso, Jared Mitchell, and Mike Fontenot, were also in attendance, drawing even more fans to the event. The games were part of the Banana Ball league, known for its unique and entertaining style, emphasizing the rich history of local sports teams.

Unforgettable Moments on the Field

During the game, Watson executed his iconic backflip catch of a fly ball, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Many fans wore jerseys with his name, showcasing their support as he made his memorable homecoming. One special moment saw Watson reconnect with a fan who had caught one of his home run balls during his time at LSU, illustrating the deep connection he shares with the community.

The Showdowns format utilized in Banana Ball added a new thrilling dimension to the game. It mirrors soccer’s penalty kick system, where players face off in overtime to determine the winner. Watson’s inside-the-park home run was pivotal in this context, and shortly after, Party Animals’ Reece Hampton popped out, marking the end of the game in favor of the Tailgaters.

While the game was technically hosted by the Party Animals, the majority of the crowd showed enthusiasm and support for Watson and the Tailgaters, signaling his enduring popularity. The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium was electric, as fans relived memories of Watson’s college glory days while celebrating his present-day contributions to the sport.

Watson’s Career Journey

Following his college career at LSU, where he led the team in batting during the 2017 College World Series, Watson was drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Orioles. Despite facing challenges in his minor league career, he transitioned to the Banana Ball league, where he has successfully combined entertainment with baseball through innovative trick plays.

Watson’s return was not only about his performance on the field but also a reflection of his passion for the game. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play once again in front of his home crowd and displayed a strong desire to continue entertaining fans in future games, underscoring the transformative experience that Banana Ball offers to its audience.

Conclusion

Watson’s homecoming at Alex Box Stadium served as a celebration of his past achievements, current talents, and the community that continues to rally around him. His contributions to both LSU and the sport of baseball underscore the lasting impact he has had on the fans and the game. As the weekend concluded, Baton Rouge embraced Watson’s legacy while looking forward to more thrilling moments in the world of Banana Ball.

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HERE Resources

Banana Ball World Tour Brings University Spirit to Baton Rouge

Additional Resources

• Sports Illustrated: Zach Watson Scores Game-Winning Run
• LSU Reveille: Zach Watson’s Journey to Banana Ball
• 225 Baton Rouge: Banana Ball Returns to Baton Rouge
• The Advocate: Banana Ball World Tour at Alex Box Stadium
• WAFB: Zach Watson Wins Back-to-Back Gold Gloves
• Wikipedia: Zach Watson
• Google Search: Zach Watson
• Google Scholar: Zach Watson
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Zach Watson
• Google News: Zach Watson

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.