Jackie Bradley Jr. becomes first ex-MLB star to commit full time to Banana Ball
The Indianapolis Clowns selected 11-year former major leaguer and 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. with the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball Player Draft on Thursday night, making him the first former MLB player to commit to full-time participation in Banana Ball.
The former Boston Red Sox outfielder, All-Star in 2016 and Golden Glove winner in 2018, told ESPN that his decision to play Banana Ball was made “a few days ago.”
With his older daughter being a big Banana Ball fan, Bradley made an appearance for the Savannah Bananas during a July game at Fenway Park. He called it a great appearance that ultimately led Banana Ball founder Jesse Cole to contact him about joining the Clowns.
The Clowns have a storied history, serving as the Negro Leagues’ version of the Harlem Globetrotters as an exhibition team and signing Hank Aaron to his first professional contract. They were also one of the first teams to recruit women, such as Mamie Johnson, Toni Stone and Connie Morgan.
The team started in 1935 ultimately disbanded in 1989 and had remained inactive until Cole announced in October that it would be part of the Banana Ball Championship League’s inaugural 60-game season in 2026. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, said last month that the partnership between the league and the museum is “a tremendous opportunity, not only to entertain, but also to educate fans about the rich history of the Negro Leagues while paying tribute to the team that helped influence Banana Ball.
Bradley noted the Clowns’ role in “bridging pre-integration black baseball to modern baseball.” He called it a perfect fit to join them, saying he wanted to contribute to the development of the game – and hopes his legacy will be linked to being part of the club.
“I feel like it was another opportunity not only for the league, but to be able to help the people behind me to… hopefully catapult other African-American baseball players to want to play this game,” Bradley told ESPN.
The 2018 American League Championship Series MVP also revealed to ESPN that he isn’t ruling out a return to MLB. He last appeared in the majors in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals.
“If there is an opportunity [to go back to the majors]I would obviously weigh that. If it’s for my family, then I’m not going to rule out any opportunity,” he said. “But it’s not something I’m looking for. I am very happy with the way my career has gone. I have been truly blessed. I’m just enjoying the moment.”
Bradley said he loved “being present where my feet are” and that joining the Clowns was an opportunity he wouldn’t pass up. He represents a certain flair and fun on the field while still being able to play at a high level, Cole explained.
Bradley’s full-time participation could also mark the start of a new era of Banana Ball. Former MLB players have participated in Banana Ball games before, including pitcher Roger Clemens appearing in March 2024 and Johnny Damon in July.
“If there are players at the end of their careers who just want to play 60 games instead of 160 and play in sold-out stadiums and really have fun while doing it, I think that might be something that would be a viable option,” Cole told ESPN. “Jackie is a pioneer, and I think he’s going to set the tone to maybe give other players at the end of their careers another option.”
However, Bradley said he doesn’t envision this as a farewell tour.
He says he envisions this can hopefully continue after his initial involvement. He acknowledged that “everything has to end at some point,” but he finds ways to cherish the moments – good and bad – of playing baseball.
Banana Ball’s evolution has been rapid since 2022 and is only growing, with the Banana Ball Championship League set to be played in front of 3.2 million fans next year.
Bradley’s involvement is just another rung on the ladder.
