Veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., beloved for his defensive brilliance and clutch postseason heroics with the Boston Red Sox, is taking an unexpected turn in his baseball journey.
The 35-year-old former MLB standout has signed on as the first full-time player in the Savannah Bananas’ brand-new Banana Ball Championship League—a 60-game, six-team competition set to launch in 2026.
Drafted No. 1 overall by the historic Indianapolis Clowns, Bradley is embracing a unique chance to inspire African American ballplayers while keeping his love for the game alive in a fresh, unconventional setting.
Jackie Bradley Jr. Joins the Banana Ball Revolution
Banana Ball has taken the baseball world by storm lately, blending high-energy entertainment with fast-paced play.
The league’s wild rules, fan-centric vibe, and showmanship have pulled in both die-hard traditionalists and casual fans who just want a good time. By signing on to play full time, Bradley steps into the spotlight as the face of this next evolution in the sport.
A Landmark No. 1 Draft Pick
The Indianapolis Clowns picked Bradley No. 1 overall, and that’s a pretty big deal. Once a prominent Negro Leagues team, the Clowns are remembered for their competitive fire and for breaking barriers—most notably as a launchpad for a young Hank Aaron.
By joining this revived franchise, Bradley connects modern baseball to its deep cultural roots.
From Fenway Glory to Banana Ball
Bradley’s move into Banana Ball happened naturally. The summer before his full commitment, he made a guest appearance with the Savannah Bananas and got a standing ovation at Fenway Park.
Boston fans still cherish his contributions. That kind of reception helped open the door for this new chapter, showing that even outside the MLB spotlight, a player can keep close ties to the baseball community.
An Impressive MLB Resume
Over nine seasons with the Red Sox, Bradley built a reputation as one of baseball’s top defensive outfielders.
His accolades include:
- 2016 All-Star selection
- 2018 Gold Glove award
- 2018 ALCS Most Valuable Player
- Key contributor to Boston’s 2018 World Series championship
Bradley played in 964 regular-season games for the Red Sox, delivering highlight-reel catches and clutch hits that cemented his place in team history. His last MLB appearance came in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals, closing out an accomplished big-league run.
Inspiration Beyond the Field
Bradley has made it clear: he wants his journey to encourage more African American players to explore baseball—whether that’s in the majors, minors, or wild new leagues like Banana Ball.
His move puts a spotlight on the importance of representation at every level, showing that there’s more than one way to find success in the sport.
Contentment with His Career
Bradley says he’s open to an MLB return if the right fit comes up, but he’s at peace with his big-league days.
Now, he’s focused on enjoying the game for its pure joy, giving back to fans, and mentoring younger players in the innovative Banana Ball format.
A New Chapter for a Champion
Jackie Bradley Jr. has jumped from MLB stadiums to the Banana Ball Championship League. That move isn’t just about entertainment—it gets at the heart of why players fall in love with baseball in the first place.
For Bradley, it’s about fun and community. He wants to honor the game’s history, but he’s not afraid to embrace its future either.
His signing says a lot. Banana Ball is starting to pull in major talent, and honestly, it might be on its way to becoming a real professional option.
The 2026 debut of the Banana Ball Championship League is coming up, and baseball fans are buzzing. People want to see how Bradley’s experience will shape the Indianapolis Clowns.
Will he weave those jaw-dropping catches into Banana Ball’s wild style? Or maybe he’ll just light up the scoreboard.
One thing’s certain—Bradley’s passion for the sport is going to make a difference, both on the field and off it.
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Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox champion becomes first ex-MLB player to join Savannah Bananas’ league full time
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