Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. may not be the most dynamic offensive talent, but he sure can field his position.
The winner of the 2018 American League Gold Glove in center field, he is known for his highlight-reel catches, usually robbing hitters of some home runs.
When running back for a deep fly ball, he often jumps and balances himself at the top of the wall, an incredible display of body control and athleticism.
According to Boston Globe writer Alex Spier, it’s something he practices with one goal in mind.
“Since at least 2014, Bradley has been practicing running back to the bullpen and jumping on top of the fence in hopes of one day achieving the greatest home run robbery in Fenway history,” Spier wrote.
Since at least 2014, Bradley has been practicing running back to the bullpen and jumping on top of the fence in hopes of one day achieving the greatest home run robbery in Fenway history. https://t.co/NyZ4fJk1KS
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) May 18, 2022
Bradley Has The Drive To Be The Best Fielder In Center
To be the best, you have to practice like the best, and Bradley sure puts in time and effort to have a competitive edge among center fielders.
Looking at his trajectory and some of his catches, one would think he deserves to have more than one Gold Glove by now.
He is currently 32, so perhaps his best years are behind him, but he remains a solid fielder with some high hopes… and hops.
The whole baseball world would love to watch that catch Spier is referring to, and fans in Boston certainly pay the ticket, in part, to watch Bradley field his position and run down some balls in the gaps and near the wall.
It’s clear that Bradley doesn’t have too much to offer with the bat, as he is hitting .189/.252/.264 with no home runs so far in 2022.
He needs to be an elite fielder to keep his job.
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