Bradfield dedicates Spring Breakout performance to late friend
SARASOTA, Fla. -- It was about more than playing in the national spotlight. More than the dinner bet placed with an old college teammate earlier in the month. More than a game. As Enrique Bradfield Jr. slid home to score a run during the first inning of Saturday night’s Spring
SARASOTA, Fla. -- It was about more than playing in the national spotlight. More than the dinner bet placed with an old college teammate earlier in the month. More than a game.
As Enrique Bradfield Jr. slid home to score a run during the first inning of Saturday night’s Spring Breakout showcase between Orioles and Yankees prospects at Ed Smith Stadium -- aired live across the country on MLB Network -- he let out all of his emotions. He screamed loudly in celebration, putting a challenging week behind him in the process.
That hustle play was made for Isaiah Hood, Bradfield’s former teammate during his high school travel ball days in South Florida who died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 25 on Tuesday.
“For me to come out here, it’s meant a lot to me, personally,” said Bradfield, Baltimore’s No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, who was born in Pembroke Pines, Fla. “To be able to give my mom a hug and see how emotional she is, see my sister still come out here, and I guess just play for my friend. It was tougher than I expected, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I hope he’s resting up there. It’s just been a tough week for everybody that I’ve been around -- for my family, friends, his family. Playing with a heavy heart.”
Hood was a fellow baseball player who graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2019. He remained in Bradfield’s mind throughout Saturday night.
“A very quiet kid. Once you got him in a comfortable setting, he really opened up,” Bradfield said. “He’s a great friend, great person, great big brother, great son, all the way around. There’s a lot of people, including myself, including my family, who are hurting right now. Just made the past couple of days very tough. Trying to stay busy, keep my mind in good spirits. But at the end of the day, it’s a loss of life that can’t be replaced. It’s just hard. It’s very tragic and hard all the way around.”
Bradfield put on the type of performance during the Orioles’ 5-4 win that he was sure would have made his friend proud.
In the bottom of the first, Bradfield slapped a leadoff single to left-center field. He moved from first to third on an errant pickoff throw by New York right-hander Carlos Lagrange, showing off the 80-grade speed that helped make him the O’s first-round Draft pick in 2023.
“That guy runs way too much. He's way too fast,” top Orioles prospect Samuel Basallo said via team interpreter Brandon Quinones. “It’s really impressive what he's able to do.”
Then, Lagrange uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Bradfield to take off. The 23-year-old bolted home, dove headfirst and gave max effort in trying to score -- which he did successfully, touching the plate before moving his arms in a safe motion in unison with the home-plate umpire.
It was a run more meaningful than most scored by Bradfield over two professional seasons.
“I’m trying to be focused out there, and my energy in that moment, sliding across home plate specifically, just maybe some emotion comes out of me, and that’s normal,” said Bradfield, who finished 2-for-3 with a stolen base and two runs scored. “It’s life. Bad things happen, and you’ve got to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.”
Baseball can help the healing process, which has frequently been proven throughout the sport’s long history. Bradfield felt that way after playing alongside the friends he’s made in the Orioles’ farm system, many of whom put on impressive Spring Breakout performances of their own.
Bradfield started in left field and shared the outfield with two fellow primary center fielders -- Vance Honeycutt (Baltimore’s No. 5 prospect) in center and Jud Fabian (No. 23) in right.
Honeycutt (the O’s first-round Draft pick in 2024) hit an inside-the-park homer in the fourth for his first home run since joining the organization. Fabian made an impressive jumping catch in the sixth.
The exhibition ended in walk-off fashion, with Leandro Arias (the Orioles’ No. 20 prospect) hitting a game-winning two-out RBI single up the middle in the bottom of the ninth.
After Bradfield celebrated with all of Baltimore’s talented youngsters who stormed the field, he took a moment to be with his family. Then, he joined up with four of his former Vanderbilt University teammates -- O’s righty Patrick Reilly and Yankees prospects Spencer Jones, Bryce Cunningham and Greysen Carter -- for a group picture at home plate.
Bradfield also reminded Jones that he won their bet and that Jones must now buy Bradfield dinner in the near future.
“I’m definitely going to pick somewhere nice,” Bradfield said.
At the end of the night, it was important to Bradfield to spend some additional time with people who are close to him. He was eventually the final player to leave the field, after signing autographs for every kid that came up to the netting.
More reminders of what the sport means to Bradfield as he continued to mourn the loss of his close friend Hood.
“Us guys who play together -- whether we came across each other years in advance or whatever it may be -- when you step in that locker room,” Bradfield said, “it’s a special bond that you never forget.”
Jumbo Shrimp outlast Redbirds with extra inning win
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Troy Johnston drove in the eventual winning run in the top of the tenth in the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 8-7, 10-inning win over the Memphis Redbirds Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Tied at seven, Agustín Ramírez started the inning at second and scored on a one-out double
Jumbo Shrimp alumnus Monteverde makes MLB debut
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp left-handed pitcher Patrick Monteverde made his major league debut Saturday for the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Monteverde came out of the bullpen for the Marlins, striking out four in 3.2 innings of work in the Marlins’ 11-10 defeat to
Jacksonville walked off by Memphis Saturday afternoon
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Despite clubbing three home runs, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp couldn’t outlast the Memphis Redibrds in a 6-5 walk off loss Saturday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Tied at five, Memphis (10-8) got a one-out double from Bryan Torres. Two batters later, Matt Koperniak doubled off Jacksonville (14-6) reliever
Jacksonville bullpen shuts down Memphis in win
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Jack Winkler’s fifth inning home run was the difference in the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 4-3 win over the Memphis Redbirds Friday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Tied at two, Jacksonville (14-5) took their largest lead of the game in the top of the fifth. Heriberto Hernandez reached on
Jumbo Shrimp ride strong pitching to win over Redbirds
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Home runs from Maximo Acosta and Agustín Ramírez along with strong pitching performances aided the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 4-1 win over the Memphis Redbirds Thursday night at AutoZone Park. After trading scoreless frames, Jacksonville (13-5) took the lead in the top of the third. With one out,
Homestand Highlights April 22-27
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season continues at 11:05 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22 with a six-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, that runs through Sunday, April 27 at VyStar Ballpark. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following
Three-run sixth sinks Jacksonville
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Despite a home run from Heriberto Hernandez, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell to the Memphis Redbirds 6-4 Wednesday night at AutoZone Park. Memphis (9-6) entered the bottom of the sixth trailing 4-2. César Prieto started the inning with a double and went to third on a base
Jacksonville falls to Memphis in series opener
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite getting out to an early lead, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s eight-game winning streak came to an end after falling to Memphis 6-3, Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. Trailing in the bottom of the second, Memphis (8-6) rallied against Jacksonville (12-4) starter Janson Junk (L, 2-2). With
Shrimp Boats are VyStar Ballpark’s newest seating area
PURCHASE SINGLE-GAME TICKETS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of Crustacean Nation can now experience a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game in a way unrivaled across sports. VyStar Ballpark’s new Shrimp Boats are a nod to Jacksonville’s rich seafood heritage and deliver both an extraordinary view of the ballpark while also providing guests
Acosta walk-off completes sweep of Charlotte
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A three-run ninth and walk-off single from Maximo Acosta secured a 4-3 win, series sweep, and eighth straight win for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp against the Charlotte Knights on Sunday in front of 5,761 fans from VyStar Ballpark. Trailing 3-1 in the ninth, Jakob Marsee walked, and
Jacksonville sweeps doubleheader, wins seventh straight
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp swept their doubleheader with the Charlotte Knights, 4-3 and 3-1 Saturday night at VyStar Ballpark in front of 7,114 fans. Trailing 3-2 in the fourth, Connor Norby (1) crushed a solo home run, tying the game at three for Jacksonville (11-3). Three batters
Connor Norby to begin rehab assignment with Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Miami Marlins’ infielder Connor Norby will begin an injury rehabilitation assignment for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp when he starts in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader at 5:05 against the Charlotte Knights at VyStar Ballpark. Norby was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 27 with a
Jacksonville and Charlotte postponed Friday
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Friday’s contest between the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Charlotte Knights has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Fans who purchased tickets online or over
Jacksonville wins fifth-straight behind four-run sixth
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A four-run sixth catapulted the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to an 8-5 win against the Charlotte Knights, Thursday from VyStar Ballpark. Jacksonville (9-3) and Charlotte (6-6) were locked in a tie at two in the fifth. An error coupled with a two-base wild pitch put Andrew Pintar on
Sánchez, Cronin join Jumbo Shrimp on rehab assignment
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Miami Marlins’ outfielder Jesús Sánchez and right-hander Declan Cronin will begin an injury rehabilitation assignment for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Thursday, as they face off with the Charlotte Knights at 7:05 p.m. at VyStar Ballpark. Sánchez has been on the injured list since March 27 with
Jacksonville defeats Charlotte behind Junk’s career day
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –Janson Junk (W, 2-1) had a career day with 10 strikeouts, propelling the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to a 2-1 win against the Charlotte Knights, Wednesday from VyStar Ballpark. Jacksonville (8-3) opened the scoring in the fourth. Agustin Ramírez (1) cracked a solo home run off Charlotte (6-5) starter
Jacksonville blanks Charlotte in series opener
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A scoreless outing from Adam Mazur (W, 1-1) and two RBIs from Deyvison De Los Santos were vital for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in securing a 3-0 win against the Charlotte Knights, Tuesday from VyStar Ballpark. Jacksonville (7-3) broke the scoreless tie in the fourth. Jakob Marsee
Berry’s walk-off secures series win against Worcester
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thanks to a walk-off single from Jacob Berry the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp secured a 3-2 win and series win Sunday afternoon from VyStar Ballpark, in front of 6,375 fans. Trailing 2-1 in the eighth, Maximo Acosta worked a leadoff walk for Jacksonville (6-3). While at first, Worcester’s
Jumbo Shrimp Homestand Highlights April 8-13
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2025 season continues at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 with a six-game series against the Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, that runs through Sunday, April 13 at VyStar Ballpark. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the
Five-run fifth lifts Jacksonville to 10-6 win over Worcester
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp plated five runs in the fifth and never looked back in their 10-3 win over the Worcester Red Sox Saturday night from VyStar Ballpark. Trailing by a run in the third, Jacksonville’s (5-3) Brian Navarreto reached on an error. Following a strikeout, Jakob
Jumbo Shrimp stifled by Woo Sox, 7-1
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Strong relief pitching was not enough for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in their 7-1 loss to the Worcester Red Sox, Friday night from VyStar Ballpark, in front of 6,101 fans. Worcester (3-3) wasted no time scoring in game four. Roman Anthony led off the first inning with
13 Hits lift Jacksonville to Thursday night win over Worcester
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A strong outing from Janson Junk (W, 1-1) coupled with 13 hits helped the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defeat the Worcester Red Sox 5-1, Thursday night from VyStar Ballpark. Tied 1-1 in the second, Jacob Berry cracked a one out double and quickly stole third. With a runner
Jacksonville Blanked in Wednesday Matchup with Worcester
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A strong outing from Adam Mazur (L, 0-1) and two hits from Maximo Acosta were not enough for Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in their 2-0 loss to the Worcester Red Sox, Wednesday from VyStar Ballpark. Worcester struck early in the top of the first. Roman Anthony walked to
Trio of Home Runs Power Jacksonville to Tuesday Win Against Worcester
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three home runs, including a grand slam from Heriberto Hernandez, were crucial in the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s 10-5 victory over the Worcester Red Sox on Tuesday in front of 5,967 fans from VyStar Ballpark. Trailing 1-0 in the third, Ronny Simon singled to lead off the third
Luarbert Arias debuts for Marlins
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp pitcher Luarbert Arias made his major league debut for the Miami Marlins, Monday at loanDepot Park. Arias was the final reliever used, tossing the final three innings in a 10-4 loss against the New York Mets. He struck out one and did not