In a major shakeup to the baseball world, former MLB outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. has taken his talents to the fast-growing and wildly entertaining world of Banana Ball.
Selected first overall by the revived Indianapolis Clowns in the inaugural Banana Ball player draft, the 2018 World Series champ is making history as the first former MLB player to commit full time to the league.
Bradley’s signing isn’t just about having fun on the diamond—it’s a bridge between baseball’s storied past, its evolving present, and its vibrant future.
Jackie Bradley Jr. Embraces a New Chapter in Baseball
Bradley’s decision came together fast, and honestly, it started with his daughter. After a July appearance at Fenway Park, she became a fan of the Savannah Bananas, the team that kicked off Banana Ball’s high-energy, fan-first style.
That spark got Bradley thinking about joining the sport’s newest sensation. He ended up signing with the Indianapolis Clowns for the 2026 season.
For Bradley, it’s not just about changing uniforms. He’s embracing a totally different philosophy of the game.
Banana Ball’s wild rules and focus on entertainment fit his mindset of “being present” and just loving baseball again.
A Historic Team with Deep Roots
The Indianapolis Clowns aren’t just another expansion team. They carry a legacy that’s seriously woven into baseball history.
Originally a famed Negro Leagues exhibition team, the Clowns signed legendary slugger Hank Aaron and featured pioneering female players long before women found a place in pro ball.
Through a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Banana Ball founder Jesse Cole wants to blend entertainment with education.
The Clowns’ return honors Black baseball’s pre-integration heroes and tries to pull in modern fans at the same time.
Bradley’s Mission: Inspire the Next Generation
Bradley’s proud of his 11-year MLB run, but he sees this new gig as a chance to inspire African American players and broaden baseball’s reach.
By joining a team that celebrates history and diversity, he hopes to help connect younger fans and players with the sport’s roots.
Why Banana Ball Appeals to Veterans
Banana Ball’s reputation as an alternative to the grueling MLB schedule could be tough for other seasoned pros to ignore. The league’s shorter schedule, wild atmosphere, and up-close fan engagement offer a real break from the usual grind.
Jesse Cole calls Bradley a “trendsetter,” and thinks more veteran players will probably follow his lead.
- Shorter, faster-paced games keep fans energized and coming back.
- Quirky rules and on-field stunts create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
- Players actually connect with audiences—something pro sports usually misses.
The Rapid Rise of Banana Ball
Banana Ball went from a quirky sideshow to a mainstream sensation almost overnight. The 2026 season is projected to draw 3.2 million fans, which is wild for a format that barely existed a few years back.
Mixing competitive play, live performances, and educational efforts, the league is winning over fans of all ages.
A Game That Celebrates Fun
For Bradley, Banana Ball offers something MLB just can’t always pull off—a steady sense of joy. The game’s built not just to show off athletic skill, but to entertain from the first pitch to the last out.
Fans don’t just watch; they feel like they’re part of the action. Isn’t that what baseball should be about?
What Bradley’s Move Means for Baseball
Jackie Bradley Jr.’s leap into Banana Ball really says something: baseball isn’t standing still. Players are getting creative about connecting with fans way beyond the old-school pro leagues.
His move sort of blends the past with the present. Suddenly, you’ve got MLB veterans sharing the spotlight with wild, alternative formats.
Will he ever head back to the Majors? Who knows. Right now, Bradley’s all-in with the Indianapolis Clowns, soaking up the wild energy of Banana Ball.
He brings that championship fire to a league where the crowd’s excitement matters just as much as the scoreboard. It’s a different vibe—he’s showing there’s more than one way to be a pro ballplayer these days.
Here is the source article for this story: From Fenway to Banana Ball: Jackie Bradley Jr., 2018 World Series champ, joins Indianapolis Clowns
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