Savannah Banana Baseball Player Awkwardly Face-Plants on National TV: 'That Never Happens'

A Savannah Banana baseball player endured an epic fail in real time this week during a live broadcast on a national news show.

Robert Anthony Cruz joined CNN News Central during a live broadcast to do a signature trick that sadly didn’t live up to the hype. A clip of the incident sees Coach RAC attempting a backflip, prompting host Kate Bolduan to say, "Oh, Jesus" — and while the hope was he’d land on his feet, he instead face-planted on national television.

"That never happens," Cruz awkwardly said following the unsuccessful stunt. The camera then panned back to Bolduan, who tried to hide her surprise, and her co-host, John Berman, who quipped, "That — that what you just saw there, is a brand new twist on America’s favorite pastime."

Cruz took to Instagram to poke fun at himself, sharing a clip of the incident and writing: "The sound makes it 10x funnier. Yes, you have my permission to laugh. Yes, I’m all good. Some stitches, slightly damaged pride, and some unparalleled dad lore."

According to Sports Illustrated, the segment continued with footage of sold-out stadiums, Banana Ball shenanigans and more. Cruz didn’t return to the broadcast.

The Savannah Bananas are currently on their Banana Ball World Tour. The exhibition barnstorming baseball team’s next game is Saturday night (July 26).

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