Going Bananas for Content: Caleb Kuiken ’24 Joins Baseball’s Most Unconventional Team

What started as a love for baseball turned into a career dream come true for Caleb Kuiken ’24, who now travels the country capturing content for the coach of one of the most talked-about teams in sports entertainment: the Savannah Bananas.

A communications major with a minor in broadcasting and journalism, Kuiken graduated from Messiah University in December 2024, but his next chapter was already in motion. After years of building his skills behind the camera and behind the scenes, Kuiken launched his own multimedia company, Kuiken Media—and quickly landed an unforgettable first client.

The connection came through Messiah Baseball Head Coach Phill Shallenberger, a former coach for the Savannah Bananas who had built a strong relationship with Bananas head coach Tyler Gillum. At a coaching convention in Washington, D.C., Gillum casually mentioned that he was looking for a personal media specialist. Shallenberger didn’t hesitate to recommend Kuiken, who had served as social media manager for Messiah’s baseball team, creating videos, graphics, and managing online presence.

That conversation led to a job offer—and a major move. Originally from Montague, New Jersey, Kuiken packed up and headed south to Savannah, Georgia, where he now serves as Coach Gillum’s personal multimedia specialist. Through Kuiken Media, he’s responsible for crafting the coach’s brand, “Bet on Yourself,” by producing content that resonates with fans across social media platforms.

“It’s a dream role,” Kuiken says. “I get to follow the team, capture amazing moments, and help tell stories that really impact people.”

And it's not your average 9-to-5. On game days, Kuiken plans content, mics up Coach Gillum for warmups and fan moments, films the game from every angle, and edits clips throughout the day. He’s also producing Gillum’s upcoming podcast, extending his skills into the audio world as well.

But for Kuiken, it’s about more than just creating engaging content—it’s about impact.

“My favorite part about doing media is when content really resonates with the audience and creates a positive impact,” said Kuiken. “Coach Gillum’s mission is to impact 10,000,000 people, and I love the idea that something I make can be a part of that. Media can be a powerful vessel for spreading the Gospel too, which is another reason I love it.”

Kuiken’s time at Messiah gave him a strong foundation. From creating video packages as sports director at YBTV, to learning visual storytelling, conducting interviews, and editing with intention, he built the skills—and the confidence—to succeed in a fast-paced, content-driven world.

What’s next? While Kuiken is focused on making the most of his current role, he’s dreaming big. He’d love to join the Bananas full-time—or one day land a role as a videographer for the MLB, with his sights set on creating content for his favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles.

Wherever his journey takes him, one thing is clear: Caleb Kuiken is built for the big leagues—on and off the field.