Formerโ Red Sox World Series MVP Jackie bradley Jr. โฃsigns with Savannah Bananas
Indianapolis, IN – jackie โBradley Jr.,aโข former major โLeague Baseball All-star and 2018 world series champion with the โฃBoston Red Sox,has become โthe frist โฃex-MLB โฃplayer to join the Savannah Bananas’ league full-time. The move marks a new chapter forโข the 35-year-old outfielder and signals the growing appeal โฃof the bananas’โ unique brand of baseball.
Bradley expressed his โexcitement about the opportunity, telling ESPN, “I feel like this was another โคopportunity to not only [benefit] the league, but to be ableโฃ to help the people behindโฃ me toโฆ hopefully, โคcatapult โother African American ballplayers to want to play the game.” The Bananas, known for their fast-pacedโข “Banana Ball”โ rules and entertaining atmosphere, are expanding theirโ reach andโ attracting โplayers seeking a different baseball experience.
A stellar defensive โcenter fielder, Bradley played โฃnine seasons with โคthe Red Sox, earning an All-Star selection in 2016 and a Gold Glove in 2018. He was a key contributor to Boston’s 2018 World Seriesโฃ victory,earning ALCS MVP โฃhonors. In 964 regular seasonโ games with the Red Sox, Bradley established himself as a โคreliable player and fan favorite.
His last major โleague appearance came โwith the Kansas โCityโ Royals inโฃ 2023. While remaining open to โคa potential MLB return, bradley emphasized his contentment with his career. “If there’s an opportunity [to go back to the majors], I would obviously weigh that. If โthat’s for my โคfamily, then I’mโข not going to rule out any opportunities,”โ he toldโ ESPN. โค”But it’s not something that I’m striving for. I’m โvery content with how myโ career has unfolded.I’ve been truly blessed. I’m just enjoying the moment.”
Bradleyโฃ first experienced Banana Ball last summer,โ receiving a standing ovation at Fenway Park, an experience that ultimately led to this full-time commitment. The Indianapolis Clowns, a historic Negro Leagues โteam now part of the Bananas association, will โขbe Bradley’s newโค team.
