Dugout Size-Up: Inside Banana Ball with Johnny Hummel

The Firefighters Banana Ball team has inspired some of its players to join the fire service after their playing careers, and that's what Johnny Hummel explains in this Dugout Size-Up: Inside Banana Ball.

Ryan Baker

Nov. 5, 2026

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In this Dugout Size-Up: Inside Banana Ball, Firehouse's Ryan Baker talks with The Firefighters' closer, Johnny Hummel.

Hummel talks about how he ended up playing Banana Ball two years ago and how his connections from college baseball remain strong in the new sport. He also speaks on the challenges of transitioning from baseball to Banana Ball.

Hummel expresses respect for the fire service and what the team represents as a whole, and says his passion and love for the industry have grown to the point where he is considering a career in the fire service after he finishes playing Banana Ball.

About the Author

Ryan Baker

Associate Editor

Ryan Baker is a writer and associate editor with prior experiences in online and print production. Ryan is an associate editor for Firehouse with a master's degree in sciences of communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He recently completed a year of teaching Intro to Public Speaking at UW-Whitewater, as part of his graduate program. Ryan acquired his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2023 from UW-Whitewater, and operates currently out of Minneapolis, MN. Baker, also writes freelances for the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) in his free time, while also umpiring baseball for various ages across the Twin Cities Metro Area.

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