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.”
Stripers’ Bats End Week on Sour Note in 3-1 Loss to Lehigh Valley
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-10) were limited to one run on six hits in a series-ending 3-1 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (14-7) on Sunday afternoon at Coolray Field. The two teams split the series 3-3. Decisive Plays: The Stripers took a 1-0 lead in the third
Homestand Highlights: Stripers Host First-Ever “Stripers Open”
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers pay tribute to Baseball Hall-of-Famer Jackie Robinson, welcome golf enthusiasts, suit up as the Malmö Oat Milkers, and more during a six-game series at Coolray Field from April 15-20 against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A, Philadelphia Phillies). The jam-packed homestand features Jackie Robinson Day
Stripers Pull Away Late to Defeat Lehigh Valley 6-3
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (10-9) utilized a fifth-inning rally to defeat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-7) in a 6-3 finish on Saturday night at Coolray Field. The win secured at least a series split for the Stripers, marking their third straight series without a loss. Decisive Plays: Down
Smith-Shawver’s Return Spoiled in Stripers’ 5-3 Loss to IronPigs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (9-9) saw an early 2-0 lead dwindle away, losing 5-3 to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-6) on Friday night at Coolray Field. AJ Smith-Shawver struck out eight over 5.2 three-run innings in his first start with the Stripers since being optioned by Atlanta on
Stripers Take Advantage of Lehigh Valley Error for 3-2 Walk-Off Win
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (9-8) pulled off their second walk-off victory of 2025 to surpass the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-6) 3-2 on Thursday night at Coolray Field. Conner Capel walked and scored on a missed catch error by first baseman Buddy Kennedy following a ground ball by Charles
Stripers Ride Early Runs, Solid Bullpen to 8-4 Win Over IronPigs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (8-8) rebounded to even the series against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-5) with a 8-4 win on Wednesday night at Coolray Field. Luke Waddell and Jose Devers combined to drive in five of the eight runs. Decisive Plays: The Stripers got the scoring started
Gwinnett Out-Slugged by Lehigh Valley in 15-9 Defeat
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In a three-hour and 21-minute offensive slugfest, the Gwinnett Stripers (7-8) finished on the losing end of a 15-9 loss against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-4) on Tuesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Eddy Alvarez homered twice and tallied four RBIs in the losing cause. Decisive Plays: The
Stripers Score Early, Often in 12-8 Finale Win at Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – A three-run home run by Alex Verdugo and RBIs from five other hitters powered the Gwinnett Stripers (7-7) to a 12-8 victory over the Norfolk Tides (6-9) on Sunday afternoon at Harbor Park. Gwinnett took four out of the six games to win its second consecutive series.
Stripers Split First Twin-Bill of 2025 in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – The Gwinnett Stripers (6-7) extended their road winning streak to three games with a 6-1 win in game one on Saturday night but fell 6-2 to the Norfolk Tides (6-8) in the nightcap to split a doubleheader at Harbor Park. Decisive Plays (Game 1): The Stripers struck
Stripers, Norfolk Postponed Friday at Harbor Park
NORFOLK, Va. – Tonight’s 6:35 p.m. game between the Gwinnett Stripers and Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader at Harbor Park on Saturday, April 12. The first of two seven-inning games begins at
Strider Ties Gwinnett Record with 13 Strikeouts in Stripers’ 6-1 Victory at Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – Atlanta Braves’ right-hander Spencer Strider produced a truly historic third rehab start for the Gwinnett Stripers (5-6) on Thursday afternoon, tying the team’s single-game record with 13 strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a 6-1 victory over the Norfolk Tides (5-7) at Harbor Park. Strider and three relievers
Daniel Stellar in Debut, Stripers Topple Tides in 10th
NORFOLK, Va. – Davis Daniel struck out six over 6.0 one-hit innings in a no-decision and the Gwinnett Stripers (4-6) scored three runs in the top of the 10th inning to slip past the Norfolk Tides (5-6) 4-2 on a frigid Wednesday night at Harbor Park. The win snapped an
Stripers’ Ninth-Inning Flurry Isn’t Enough in 8-7 Walk-Off Loss at Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – The Gwinnett Stripers (3-5) erased a four-run deficit in the ninth inning to force extra innings, but the Norfolk Tides (5-5) walked it off in the bottom of the 10th on a one-out single by Maverick Handley to win 8-7 on Tuesday night at Harbor Park. Decisive
Stripers, Nashville Postponed Sunday at Coolray Field
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Today’s 12:05 p.m. game between the Gwinnett Stripers and Nashville Sounds at Coolray Field has been postponed due to impending inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader at Coolray Field on Thursday, May 1. The first of two seven-inning games begins
Nashville Bats Break Through in 10-2 Win Over Stripers
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (3-5) fell behind early and couldn’t pull a rally together in a 10-2 defeat against the Nashville Sounds (3-5) on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Nashville took an early lead in the first inning on a three-run home run from Wes Clarke
Gwinnett Stripers Add Palmetto Sports & Entertainment to Broadcast Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and Gray Media have agreed to expand their partnership into the western Carolinas and northeastern Georgia with the addition of Palmetto Sports & Entertainment to the Stripers’ broadcast network. In addition to the 30 games that will air
Atlanta Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider to Rehab with Gwinnett
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, have announced today that pitcher Spencer Strider will join the Stripers on an injury rehab assignment. Strider, on Atlanta’s 15-day injured list as he recovers from 2024 surgery to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), is slated
All Eyes on Drake: Braves Top Prospect Gearing Up for First MLB Season
Headed into the 2024 season, catcher Drake Baldwin entered the year on the fringe of the MLB.com Atlanta Braves Top 30 Prospects list. The Madison, Wisconsin native had just come off a breakout campaign during his first full season of minor league baseball in which he saw time at three
Atlanta Braves Catcher Sean Murphy to Begin Rehab with Gwinnett
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, have announced today that catcher Sean Murphy will join the Stripers on an injury rehab assignment. Murphy, on Atlanta’s 10-day injured list with a left ribcage fracture, is scheduled to play in Gwinnett’s 4:05 p.m. Opening Day game
Homestand Highlights: Stripers Nearing Four-Millionth Fan Milestone as 2025 Season Begins
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers begin their 16th season of baseball at Coolray Field with a thrilling – and potentially historic – six-game series from April 1-6. The Stripers host the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) as they welcome fans back to the ballpark for Opening Week. The Stripers
Strider Dominant, Williams Provides Walk-Off Magic in Stripers’ 2-1 Thriller
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (3-4) needed 11 innings and a walk-off wild pickoff throw to edge the Nashville Sounds (2-5) for a 2-1 win at Coolray Field on Friday night. Rehabbing Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider and catcher Sean Murphy served as the starting battery for Gwinnett in
Nashville’s Four-Run Third Inning Enough to Best Stripers 5-1
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (2-4) saw their two-game winning streak come to an end courtesy of a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Nashville Sounds (2-4) on Thursday night at Coolray Field. Rehabbing Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy caught seven innings and went 1-for-3 in his second
Wiles Impressive in Debut, Pitching Leads Way in 4-1 Stripers Win
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers (2-3) are now winners of their last two games after taking down the Nashville Sounds (1-4) by a 4-1 score on Wednesday at Coolray Field. Starting pitcher Nathan Wiles struck out five over 4.0 no-hit innings in his Gwinnett debut. Decisive Plays: For the
Murphy’s Blast Backs Waldrep as Stripers Earn First Win of 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers took an early lead with the help of rehabbing Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy and held on for a 5-1 series-opening win over the Nashville Sounds on Tuesday at Coolray Field. The win was their first of 2025, snapping a three-game slide. Decisive Plays:
Bullpen Struggles Continue as Stripers Lose 9-6 to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Gwinnett Stripers held a 3-2 lead through five innings, but for the second straight game the Charlotte Knights put together a big inning against the bullpen. Charlotte’s five-run sixth inning led them to a 9-6 victory, completing a three-game sweep of the Stripers at Truist Field.