Jackie Bradley Jr.’s Glove Game Is Poetry In Motion

Jackie Bradley Jr.’s Glove Game Is Poetry In Motion

by | May 18, 2021 | THE THREE SPOT

The art of defensive wizardry in baseball can be described as “poetry in motion” when Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. is on the job. The center fielder pulled out his inner Peter Parker to rob Atlanta Braves infielder Ozzie Albies of a potential home run Saturday evening.

 

 

Less than 24 hours later, Albies tested Bradley Jr. again, but like super-producer Jermaine Dupri and rap group, Dem Franchize Boyz said back in their 2006 smash hit, “Oh, I think they like me when they heard me on the other one. So, it’s only right that I hit you with another one.”

 

 

The web gem is the true definition of why offense sells tickets and defense wins games.

Bradley Jr. is an MLB gold glove recipient, receiving the honor back in 2018, proving his glovework is nothing to sneeze about. But on the offensive side of the ball, his bat is a welcomed surprise.

In 36 games, he’s hitting .156 with six runs batted in and three home runs. In his last five games, Bradley Jr. struck out seven times while drawing three walks. On the road, he is averaging .119 with two RBIs and one home run. On the bright side, he leads the league in hit-by-pitch with six, most in the major leagues. Yikes!

In the offseason, JBJ signed a two-year, 24-million-dollar deal to join the Brewers, exiting the Boston Red Sox after a spectacular eight-year career, and leaving fans with their mouths open in disbelief.

Although he is currently hitting a proverbial wall with the Brew Crew, the MLB bro has been imitating the Ringling Brothers with some of the most insane aerial circus catches known to man. His arm from the warning track was jaw-dropping.

 

 

Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke of the departure and told MLB.com that not only is Bradley Jr. a solid player, but he is a better person who is very consistent in everything that he does. 

“It was a pleasure to have him in the clubhouse, to know him off the field and to know his family,” he added.  “He’s an outstanding kid. He did some great things while he was here.”

During his tenure, he made his first all-star game appearance in 2016. He achieved the most valuable player award in the American League Championship Series in 2018. And he helped the Red Sox accomplish the ultimate goal by winning the World Series title.

 

 

In 873 games, JBJ had 692 hits at the dish, 376 RBIs, and 98 homers as he hit a career average of .239. He finished in the top 10 three times in defensive wins above replacement, which made him a household name around the game as the best defensive center fielder across the league.

 

 

All this to say that JBJ is no bum.

Like a kid in a new school, his early-season struggles could be due to unfamiliarity in his new environment. Once he gets accustomed to the unique scenery and settles in at the plate, his bat will follow his glove.

Look for JBJ to get back to his MVP level as the Brewers travel to Kansas City to take on the Royals tonight with the first pitch at 8:10 p.m. EDT.