The Banana Ball Championship League, the league that hosts the Savannah Bananas among other viral teams, has its fair share of supporters and detractors.
No matter what side of the aisle you fall on, though, this latest bit of news from the league is simply too glorious not to smile about. In the first-ever Banana Ball Player Draft, the Indianapolis Clowns selected former Boston Red Sox outfielder and World Series champion, Jackie Bradley Jr.
Bradley did make an in-game appearance with the Savannah Bananas back in July during a Banana Ball game at Fenway Park (along with Johnny Damon), though that was in a celebrity cameo role. This position with the Clowns will be a full-time gig.
While other former MLB stars have made cameos in Banana Ball, Bradley is the first to join the league on a full-time basis.
Jackie Bradley Jr. becomes first former MLB player to join Banana Ball
With the first pick in the inaugural Banana Ball Player Draft, the Indianapolis Clowns select former All-Star and World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox, Jackie Bradley Jr.!
— Banana Ball (@BananaBall_) November 14, 2025
Welcome to Banana Ball, JBJ🤝 pic.twitter.com/5RYbiVc7UD
Bradley wanted to join the Clowns in particular, who have a rich history tied to integration. ESPN called them the "Negro Leagues' version of the Harlem Globetrotters," as they were one of the first professional exhibition teams in sports, running from 1935-89.
Bradley, 35, is an excellent centerpiece for Indianapolis to build around. He last played in the major leagues in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals, and he isn't too far removed from his glory days with the Red Sox.
Criminally having been awarded only one Gold Glove during his career, JBJ was revered for his outrageous center field defense and frustratingly streaking hitting. He accrued 18.0 bWAR and a .236/.315/.404 batting line in 964 games while with the Sox, and he was an All-Star in 2016 during the best offensive showing of his career.
Most notably, of course, he won the 2018 ALCS MVP after hitting two home runs and playing sterling defense against the Houston Astros. Though his World Series impact was a little more muted, he was an instrumental part in Boston winning its fourth ring this century.
Bradley also spent time with the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays during his career, but he'll always be remembered as a Red Sox icon first and foremost.
The inaugural Banana Ball Championship League season will begin in 2026, featuring a 60-game regular season. There are currently no awards in the league other than the annual MVP award, though that may have to change if Bradley plays his usual brand of defense in center field for the Clowns.