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.”
Reading Falls to Portland in High Hitting Affair
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - While the Reading Fightin Phils (15-25) out-hit the the Portland Sea Dogs (22-17) during the fourth game of the series, it was not enough as the Sea Dogs got themselves the win on Thursday afternoon, 6-3. The Portland Sea Dogs took the early lead in
Strong Pitching and Timely Hits lead Reading to Doubleheader Sweep over Portland
BOX SCORE GAME ONE BOX SCORE GAME TWO (Portland, ME) - Dominant pitching and timely hits propelled the Reading Fightin Phils (15-24) to a doubleheader sweep over the Portland Sea Dogs (21-17) on Wednesday night from Delta Dental Park. Game One It was another strong outing on the mound for
Reading Falls to Portland in Game One Despite Outhitting Sea Dogs
BOX SCORE (Portland, ME) - A late rally wasn't enough for the Reading Fightin Phils (13-24), as they fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (21-15) 4-3 on Tuesday night at Delta Dental Park. Reading outhit Portland 9-3, but were unable to come away with the game-one victory. All the scoring
The Fightin Phils Earn First Series Win in Victory Over Fisher Cats
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (13-23) grabbed their first series win of the season after taking down the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (16-22) 6-5 in the sixth game of this weeks' series. The first inning started in very similar fashion to the previous games in this
Reading Fightin Phils Achieve Highest Single Game Attendance Since 2018 Season
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share that the official attendance of 9,691 fans on Saturday night is the largest single-game attendance at America's Classic Ballpark since the 2018 season. The last time a crowd larger than Saturday night's filled
Reading Winning Streak Snapped in Doubleheader Sweep
BOX SCORE GAME ONE BOX SCORE GAME TWO (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils’ (12-23) win streak came to an end on Saturday night as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (16-21) won both games of the doubleheader. The first game ended in a score 8-7 and the second came
Miller Homers and Moser Deals as Reading Wins Fourth Straight
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The winning streak for Reading Fightin Phils (12-21) extended to four after their win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (14-21) 3-2. It was all Reading in the first inning. Aidan Miller doubled and Hendry Mendez followed with a two-run home run which put the
Reading Rallies for Third Straight Win in Walk Off Fashion
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - It was a high-scoring affair as the Reading Fightin Phils (11-21) won it over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (14-20) 11-10 in their second walk off win of the season. The Fightin Phils came out swinging in the bottom of the first. Trent Farquhar started
Late Rally Fuels Fightin Phils to Series Opening Victory
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - A late comeback by the Reading Fightin Phils (10-21) pushed them to victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (15-18) 2-1 in the first game of the series. Yohendrick Pinango hit a lead-off home run on the first pitch to give the Fisher Cats the
Reading and New Hampshire to Play Doubleheader Saturday
(Reading, PA) - Following Tuesday's rain out between Reading and New Hampshire, the game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 4:45 p.m. Both games will be seven innings in length. Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after game one, but
Today’s Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain.
Today’s Reading Fightin Phils game has been officially postponed due to rain. Those with regularly purchased tickets dated for May 13, 2025 may exchange their tickets for seating of equal or lesser value for any remaining 2025 R-Phils regular season home game, based on availability. Exchanges of tickets can be
Reading Fightin Phils Take on New Hampshire as Fisher Cats Come to Town
(Reading, PA)- The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, for their first meeting of the 2025 season. Game one is set for Tuesday, May 13 at 12 p.m. and kicks off the six
Strong Days from Miller and Anthony Lead Reading to Sunday Win
BOX SCORE (Binghamton, NY) - It was a strong outing on the mound as the series between the Reading Fightin Phils (9-21) and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (18-13) came to a close with the Figthin Phils taking the last game 3-2. The Rumble Ponies ended the series on top 3-2.
FirstEnergy Stadium Hosting BCIAA Baseball Semifinals Monday
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, and FirstEnergy Stadium, are excited to host the 2025 BCIAA Baseball Semifinals on Monday, May 12, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The semifinal matchups will showcase Governor Mifflin and Exeter, and the other matchup will be Wyomissing and Berks Catholic. Tickets to the game
Reading and Binghamton Split Doubleheader on Saturday
BOX SCORE 1 BOX SCORE 2 (Binghamton, NY) - The Reading Fightin Phils (8-21) split Saturday's doubleheader to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (18-12) at Mirabito Stadium. Reading won the first game 7-5, thanks to home runs from Trent Farquhar and Hendry Mendez. In the second game, Binghamton tossed a perfect
Reading and Binghamton Cancelled Friday Night
(Binghamton, NY) - Friday night's game between the Reading Fightin Phils and Binghamton Rumble Ponies has been cancelled due to rain. The game will not be made up. The Fightin Phils return to the field on Saturday at 12 p.m. for a doubleheader against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. A video
Cabrera and Moore's Strong Nights Overshadowed by Second Straight Walk Off Defeat
BOX SCORE (Binghamton, NY) - Despite a strong start on both sides, the Reading Fightin Phils (7-20) fell to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (17-11), 6-5, in the second walk-off win for the Rumble Ponies of the series. Jean Cabrera’s strong start to the game gave Reading time to settle in
Binghamton Spoiles Anthony's Career Night with Walk Off Homer
BOX SCORE (Binghamton, NY) - A two-out, three-run, home run from William Lugo lifted the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (16-11) to a 9-7 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (7-19) on Wednesday night at Mirabito Stadium. Reading entered the bottom of the ninth inning up by one run. Nelson Alvarez (L,
Reading and Binghamton Rained Out Tuesday Night
(Binghamton, NY) - Tuesday night's game between the Reading Fightin Phils and Binghamton Rumble Ponies has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as a part of a doubleheader on Saturday, with the first game beginning at 12 p.m. Both games will be seven innings. Wednesday
Fightin Phils Partnering with Berks County Agriculture for Cup Giveaway on June 18
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to partner with Berks County Agriculture, who will sponsor the America's Classic Ballpark Commemorative Cup for the first 2,000 adults, on Wednesday, June 18, against the Hartford Yard Goats. First pitch for the game is
Felix Reyes Walk Off Homer Give Fightin Phils Extra Inning Win
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (7-18) took the final game of the series against the Harrisburg Senators (13-14) 4-3 in a walk off win. The Reading Fightin Phils took the early lead in the bottom of the first with a lead-off home run from Robert Moore.
Harrisburg Downs Reading in Rain Shortened Game
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (6-18) fell to the Harrisburg Senators (13-13) 9-1 in a six-inning rain-shortened game. Harrisburg came out strong in the top of the first inning. Phillip Glasser got things started with a single on a ground ball to right field. Yohandy Morales
Fightin Phils Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short in Loss to Harrisburg
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (6-17) fell to the Harrisburg Senators (12-13) 6-4 in the fourth game of the series. The Harrisburg Senators took the early lead in the top of the first. Nick Schnell doubled on a sharp fly ball to center field and then
Fightins Snap Skid with One Run Win over Harrisburg
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - Home runs from Robert Moore and Leandro Pineda led the Reading Fightin Phils (6-16) to a 5-4 win over the Harrisburg Senators (11-13) on Thursday night, snapping Reading's 10-game losing streak. Reading struck first early on thanks to a solo home run from Leandro Pineda
Chace Strong on Mound as Reading Drops Game Two to Harrisburg
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (5-16) fell to the Harrisburg Senators (11-12) 6-3 in the second game of the series. The Fightin Phils got themselves on the board first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Aidan Miller and Hendry Mendez both singled during their time