It will be a strange occurrence Thursday when Jackie Bradley Jr., for the first time in his major-league career, dons a cap other than the one he wore for eight seasons as a member of the Boston Red Sox. On the eve of his first Opening Day as a Milwaukee Brewer, the 30-year-old acknowledged his new beginning by penning a heartfelt message to Red Sox Nation. In an open letter filed to The Players’ Tribune, the star center-fielder thanked Red Sox fans for all their years of support, standing by Bradley through thick and thin.
“April 1, 2013—eight years ago, tomorrow—was the beginning of a new chapter for my career,” wrote JBJ, recalling his first MLB Opening Day, a surprise considering he had never played an inning above Double-A. “From the Merloni Shuttle to the duck boat parades; from hitting slumps to hitting streaks; from All-Star Games to Gold Gloves; and from last-place finishes to World Series championships ... my baseball career in New England has been one that’s challenged me to always be present in the moment.”
A one-time All-Star and former Gold Glove recipient, Bradley won two World Series during his time as a Red Sox including 2018, when he was awarded ALCS MVP for plating nine runs against Houston in the American League Championship Series. The Red Sox had hoped to re-sign Bradley this winter, but the Virginia native instead joined the Brewers on a two-year, $24-million contract.
“These memories and accomplishments would not have been possible without God, hard work, dedication, family, friends, teammates, coaches and support staff,” reflected Bradley, who will long be remembered in Beantown for his heroics in center field. “The relationships I’ve made over the years, both on and off the field, have helped me to become the player and person I am today—and I’m so grateful for that.”
One by one, every member of the Red Sox’s iconic “Win, Dance, Repeat” outfield has left the nest with the vaunted trio of Bradley, Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi all playing elsewhere in 2021. “So before each of us officially turns the page to our next chapter, I just wanted to say: Red Sox Nation, thank you,” said Bradley in closing. “It was an honor.”
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