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.”
Danville Otterbots, Ballad Brewing collaborate on Homerun Helles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— Over the course of the 2022 season, Ballad Brewing’s Lagerbot found its way into the hearts and stomachs of Otterbots fans during each home game. As the team prepares for 2023 Opening Night on June 6th, Ballad Brewing and the Danville Otterbots are proud to announce their
Danville Otterbots Announce 2023 Roster
Otterbots, roll out! With Danville hosting Appalachian League Opening Night in just 33 days, the Otterbots are proud to announce the club’s 2023 roster. 20 colleges and universities from 15 collegiate athletic conferences are represented, including Virginia Tech and Florida State (ACC), Missouri (SEC), and West Virginia (Big 12). Four
Otterbots announce the 'Analytic Experience' presented by Hargrave Military Academy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— The “bots” in the Danville Otterbots brand is there for a reason. STEM-based educational initiatives and workforce pipeline development are paving the way to Danville and Southern Virginia’s future, and the hometown team is aligned with the vision. Now, in partnership with Hargrave Military Academy, fans of
Danville Otterbots announce 2023 promotional schedule
Following the “7 Days of Promos” social media series, the Danville Otterbots are thrilled to release their complete 2023 promotional schedule. Featuring daily themes for all Tuesday-Sunday games, SIX firework shows, TWO bobblehead giveaways, FIVE total giveaways, and TWO specialty jersey nights, the 2023 season promises to go down in
All four 2022 coaches and athletic trainer returning to Danville for 2023 season
With MLB Opening Day in the rear-view mirror, the Otterbots have kicked preparation for the 2023 Appalachian League season into hyperdrive. Today the club announced the return of all five members of the 2022 on-field coaching staff, led by third year manager Desi Relaford. Joining Relaford in their third seasons
Olympic-style competition, yard sale, fan fest, and live music coming to Otterbots ballpark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— March 29, 2023 Can’t make it to your favorite music festival this summer? Have no fear, the Otterbots are here! Introducing Otterpalooza: on April 28th and 29th the Otterbots ballpark will transform into multi-purpose venue, providing fun for all ages six weeks before Appalachian League Opening Night.
Otterbots announce Caesars Virginia as Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 season
In what will be a banner year for the city of Danville, Virginia, the Danville Otterbots are proud to announce Caesars Virginia as presenting sponsor of the club’s 2023 season. Bookended by an Opening Night celebration on June 6 and a Fan Appreciation party on July 29, Caesars Virginia will
Pittsylvania County Schools, Danville Otterbots Partner on Educational Initiatives
As the Danville Otterbots are set to begin their 3rd season in the revamped Appalachian League, the club has formed a partnership with Pittsylvania County Schools (PCS) focused on educational initiatives for all K-12 students, faculty, and staff. Beginning in the spring 2023 semester, all PCS elementary and middle school
Appalachian League's 2023 managers set to take the helm
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Over the last several weeks, Appalachian League teams have announced their managers for the 2023 season. That group includes four brand-new faces with more than 150 years of combined experience in professional baseball. Former big league manager John McLaren, along with Dennis Cook, Bill Kinneberg and
Otterbots announce Relaford as manager
As the Danville Otterbots inch closer to Opening Night of the 2023 Appalachian League season, the club announced today that Desi Relaford will return for his third season as Otterbots manager. The 11-year MLB veteran brings his experience on the field and in the dugout back to the Otterbots as
Appalachian League participates in MLK Day of Service
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Appalachian League executives participated in the 28th annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2023, volunteering in nine communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil
Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service. The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10
Patriots Baseball calling American Legion Post 325 Field "home" for 2023.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— Danville Otterbots to Host Patrick & Henry Community College 2023 Baseball Season P&HCC Patriots will play all 28 home games at American Legion Post 325 Field in Danville December 13, 2022 Danville’s American Legion Post 325 Field will serve as the Patrick & Henry Community College Patriots’
Appy League adds Justin Morgenstern as director of player personnel
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League is pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Morgenstern as the new director of player personnel. Morgenstern joins the Appalachian League from the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was an area scout since 2016. Morgenstern spent his first three years with the organization covering
Austin Scher named Appalachian League Executive of the Year
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Danville Otterbots general manager Austin Scher is the Executive of the Year. The award is presented to the executive who has made the most valuable contributions to their club and the league in the estimate of their peers. Under Scher's leadership,
Appalachian League announces Humanitarian of the Year nominees
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 10 nominees for its 2022 Humanitarian of the Year award. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through
2022 All-Appalachian League Team announced
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 2022 All-Appalachian League Team. The honorees were nominated and voted on by the league’s managers. The All-Appalachian League Team is highlighted by Bluefield’s Jackson Feltner, who was named Player of the Year, and Burlington’s Mason Ruh, who earned Pitcher of the
Johnson Jr. hits walk-off single, East tops West at 2022 Appy League All-Star Game
BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The East defeated the West, 6-5, at the 2022 Appalachian League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance on Tuesday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. After Greeneville's Brock Daniels (Missouri) hit a game-tying two-run single with two outs in the top of the ninth, Danville's RJ Johnson Jr
Fondtain, Herrmann receive Appalachian League weekly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Pulaski's TJ Fondtain (San Diego State) and Danville's Andrew Herrmann (Wofford) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Week of July 18-24, respectively. Fondtain hit .542 (13-for-24) with three home runs and nine RBI in six games played for the
Roster announced for 2022 Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance
The Appalachian League announced the rosters for the second Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance. The rosters will feature 44 of the league's top players from the East and West Divisions, as nominated and voted on by the league's managers. The Visit Alamance All-Star Game is scheduled to
Danville Otterbots, Ballad Brewing collaborate on LAGERBOT Pale Lager
Just when you thought having a beer and a hot dog at an Otterbots game couldn’t get any better: Now stepping up to the plate, batting cleanup, playing every single one of your taste buds, LAGERBOT! In collaboration with Ballad Brewing, the Danville Otterbots are pleased to announce a team
Appalachian League introduces new extra-innings format
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the addition of a "sudden death" extra-innings rule and the return of seven-inning games on Sundays. EXTRA INNINGS: Similar to the Frontier League and MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League will implement a "sudden death" extra-innings format. During the plate meeting prior
Otterbots announce Goodyear’s Good Seats program
As the Danville Otterbots prepare to host Appalachian League Opening Night on June 2, the club is pleased to announce a new ticket donation program presented by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: the Goodyear’s Good Seats program. Thanks to Goodyear, 20 tickets to all 2022 Otterbots home games will