As the Savannah Bananas continue their remarkable rise as one of America's most popular sports entertainment teams, player and fan favorite RobertAnthony Cruz, better known as Coach RAC, is using his growing platform to share the importance of his faith in Jesus Christ.
In an interview with ChurchLeaders during the red carpet festivities at the 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards, Coach RAC reflected on how his relationship with God influences every aspect of his life. The Savannah Bananas star was honored with the event's Sports Impact Award, joining previous recipients such as Tim Tebow, Matthew Slater, Charlotte Smith, and Patty Gasso.
The Savannah Bananas have become a national phenomenon through their unique blend of baseball, entertainment, music, and choreography. With every game on their 2026 schedule sold out, the team's popularity continues to soar. Yet despite the excitement and attention surrounding the organization, Coach RAC told ChurchLeaders that his faith remains his greatest priority.
When asked how he would spend his final hours if he knew Jesus was returning that night, Cruz painted a picture centered on worship and family.
"I think I'd spend my last hours playing my ukulele with my daughter and my wife, singing some worship songs," he said. "I think that'd be sweet."
Speaking further with ChurchLeaders, Cruz acknowledged the extraordinary opportunities that have come through his baseball career, including recently performing before more than 100,000 fans at Neyland Stadium.
"The baseball's crazy," he said. "I mean, last night we were in Neyland Stadium. We played in front of 100,000 people. Yeah, the baseball's nuts. It's a lot to juggle."
Yet for Coach RAC, faith is not something separate from his work on the field. Instead, it serves as the lens through which he views every experience.
"As far as the faith stuff goes, it's really like the lens through which I see everything," he told ChurchLeaders. "Whether it's playing on the field, it's like I'm still spending time with God out there, whether it's hanging out with my teammates in the clubhouse, it's like spending time with God."
His comments highlight a perspective that resonates with many Christian athletes who seek to integrate their faith into every area of life. For Cruz, baseball may be the platform, but his relationship with Christ remains the foundation.
As the Savannah Bananas continue to draw massive crowds and nationwide attention, Coach RAC's testimony serves as a reminder that success and visibility can be used to point others toward something greater. Through his conversation with ChurchLeaders, he made it clear that while baseball may be what he does, his faith is ultimately who he is.
