Jackie Bradley Jr. makes tip drill catch for the Clowns
Former Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. made a tip drill catch while playing for the Indianapolis Clowns in Banana Ball, a highlight ESPN captured on video. The Gold Glove defender is now a full-time Banana Ball star, balancing elite defense with entertainment after an 11-year MLB career.
Key Takeaways
- Jackie Bradley Jr. made a tip drill catch for the Indianapolis Clowns, featured in an ESPN video highlight.
- The former Red Sox center fielder became the first ex-MLB player to commit to Banana Ball full-time.
- The Clowns, Banana Ball's expansion club, took Bradley with their first pick in the player draft.
- He ranks second among Banana Ball World Tour hitters at .400, with 55 hits and 27 RBIs in 38 games.
- Bradley says his biggest adjustment is choreographed dancing and face-to-face fan interaction.
What did Jackie Bradley do on the tip drill catch?
According to ESPN, former Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. made a tip drill catch for the Clowns. The clip puts his signature glove work back in the spotlight on Banana Ball's entertainment-first stage.
That defensive flash matches the reputation Bradley built over an 11-year MLB career. USA TODAY notes he made a living with Gold Glove outfield defense before shifting into Banana Ball's show-first style.
Why does Jackie Bradley's Banana Ball move matter?
In his post-MLB chapter, Bradley is doing backflips and TikToks for the Savannah Bananas' expansion team, the Indianapolis Clowns—an homage to the former Negro League club. The Clowns joined Banana Ball this past season and selected him with their first draft pick, making him the first former MLB player to commit to participating full-time.
Banana Ball dates to 2020 and was created by Jesse Cole and his wife, Emily. The Bananas began as a college summer league team before exploding in popularity. Viral sports moments like this catch also travel through hubs such as Future Tech & AI Wonders, where highlight culture keeps reshaping how fans find athletes.
How is Jackie Bradley adjusting to Banana Ball?
Asked about the biggest change from MLB, Bradley told SportsCenter the entertainment side stands out. "Actually having to do choreographed dances and interacting with the fans face to face is something that I wasn't used to," he said, per USA TODAY.
On the field, the numbers back the transition. Bradley ranks second among Banana Ball World Tour hitters with a .400 batting average, 55 hits, and 27 RBIs in 38 games. On April 10 against the Loco Beach Coconuts, he became the third player in Banana Ball history to hit for the cycle.
"Right now I'm just trying not to be the worst dancer," Bradley added. "So as long as I'm not the worst dancer, I feel like I'm winning." He also called backflips while catching a ball difficult at 36, saying focus on the ball can make him bail halfway—and that warmer summer weather could change what fans see next.
What should fans watch next from Jackie Bradley?
The tip drill catch is another reminder that Bradley's glove remains a headline for the Clowns. Paired with his .400 bat and a stated goal of putting smiles on fans' faces, the former Red Sox star is proving Banana Ball can showcase big-league skill and entertainment at once.
As Bradley keeps working on the dance floor and the outfield flair, the ESPN highlight shows why his Clowns chapter is already worth following.