The Indianapolis Clowns select former 11-year major leaguer and 2018 World Series champion jackie bradley jrWith the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball Player Draft on Thursday night, he became the first former MLB player to commit to participating in Banana Ball full-time,
East boston red sox The outfielder, an All-Star in 2016 and Golden Glove winner in 2018, told ESPN that his decision to play Banana Ball came “the day before.”
With his eldest daughter being a big fan of Bananas Ball, Bradley made an appearance for Savannah Bananas during a July game at Fenway Park. He described it as a great appearance, which eventually prompted Banana Ball founder Jesse Cole to approach him about joining the Clowns.
The Clowns have a rich 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 one of the first teams to include women such as Mamie Johnson, Toni Stone, and Connie Morgan.
The team, started in 1935, eventually disbanded in 1989, and was 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 to educate fans about the rich history of the Negro Leagues and to pay tribute to the team that helped influence Banana Ball.”
Bradley emphasized Clowney’s role in “linking pre-integration black baseball to modern baseball.” He described it as a perfect fit for him to join them and said he wanted to help grow the game – and hopes his legacy is linked to being a part of the club.
“I think it was another opportunity to be able to help not only the league, but the guys behind me… hopefully other African American ballplayers will want to play the game,” Bradley told ESPN.
The 2018 American League Championship Series MVP also told ESPN that he is not ruling out a return to MLB. He last appeared in major films in 2023 kansas city royals,
“If there is an opportunity [to go back to the majors]I would obviously weigh in on that. If it’s for my family, I won’t turn down any opportunity.” He added, “But that’s not something I’m striving for. I am very satisfied with the way my career has progressed. I have been truly blessed. “I’m just enjoying the moment.”
Bradley said he likes to “be where my feet are” and joining the Clowns was an opportunity he wouldn’t want to pass up. Cole explained that he represents a certain flair and entertainment on the field, while still being able to play at a high level.
Bradley’s full-time involvement could also mark the beginning of a new era for Banana Ball. Former MLB players have previously played in the Banana Ball Game, most notably pitchers 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 go and maybe play 60 games instead of 160 and play in sold-out stadiums and really have a lot of fun while doing it, I think that could be something that would be a viable option,” Cole told ESPN. “Jackie is a trendsetter, and I think he’s going to create the environment to give some other players another option at the end of their careers.”
However, Bradley said that he does not see it as a farewell tour.
He says he hopes this will be something that can continue beyond his initial involvement. He acknowledged that “it all has to end at some point,” but he finds ways to cherish the good and bad moments of playing baseball.
Banana Ball’s growth has been rapid since 2022 and is only growing, with the Banana Ball Championship League set to play in front of 3.2 million fans next year.
Bradley’s involvement is another step on the ladder.
