Jackie Bradley Jr., a former Major League Baseball (MLB) standout and 2018 World Series champion, has been selected by the Indianapolis Clowns with the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball player draft. This move makes Bradley Jr. the first former MLB player to commit to participating full-time in the Banana Ball league, a significant milestone in the sport’s evolving landscape.
Bradley Jr., known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, has an impressive resume that includes an All-Star selection in 2016 and a Gold Glove award in 2018. He revealed to ESPN that his decision to join the Clowns materialized just days before the draft. A pivotal moment came when he attended a Savannah Bananas game at Fenway Park, where his oldest daughter expressed her enthusiasm for the Banana Ball format. Following this experience, he received an invitation from Jesse Cole, founder of Banana Ball, to join the Clowns.
Rich History and Cultural Significance
The Indianapolis Clowns have a storied past, recognized as a prominent exhibition team in the Negro Leagues. They are famously known for having signed legendary player Hank Aaron to his first professional contract and were among the first teams to include women players, such as Mamie Johnson, Toni Stone, and Connie Morgan. Established in 1935, the team was disbanded in 1989 but is set to return as part of the Banana Ball Championship League’s inaugural 60-game season in 2026.
According to Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, this partnership provides a noteworthy opportunity to entertain and educate fans about the rich legacy of Negro Leagues baseball while honoring the Clowns’ influence on the game. Kendrick highlighted the importance of the Clowns in “bridging pre-integration Black baseball to the modern baseball.”
Bradley Jr. expressed his excitement about this unique opportunity, stating, “I feel like this was another opportunity to not only elevate the league but to help the people behind me to hopefully catapult other African-American ballplayers to want to play the game.” His commitment to the Clowns reflects both his personal passion for baseball and a desire to inspire future generations.
Future Aspirations and Impact
While Bradley Jr. embraces this new chapter, he has not ruled out a return to MLB. He last played in the majors in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals and acknowledged the possibility of weighing future opportunities. “If there’s an opportunity [to go back to the majors], I would obviously weigh that. But it’s not something that I’m striving for. I’m very content with how my career has unfolded. I’ve been truly blessed,” he told ESPN.
Joining the Clowns may signify the dawn of a new era for Banana Ball. Though several former MLB players have participated in Banana Ball games in the past, including Roger Clemens and Johnny Damon, Bradley Jr.’s full-time involvement is seen as a potential game-changer. Cole remarked, “Jackie’s a trendsetter, and I think he’s going to set the tone for maybe giving some other players at the end of their careers another option.”
As Banana Ball continues to gain momentum, with plans to attract 3.2 million fans in its upcoming season, Bradley Jr.’s participation is a significant step forward. He views this experience not merely as a farewell tour but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the game he loves. He aims to cherish every moment, acknowledging that while every journey has its end, the impact of his contributions can resonate long after he leaves the field.
