<
>

Twenty things about Jackie Bradley Jr.

Throughout September, ESPNBoston.com is asking 20 questions to some of the newer faces with the Red Sox. In this edition, Jackie Bradley Jr. reveals the very famous person he’s related to, how he feels he’s doing and what he’s learned this season, and how he got a meeting with Donald Trump. (as told to Louise K. Cornetta)

The player I enjoyed watching play as I was growing up was Torii Hunter. I like the way he plays the game and he’s still playing the game. I didn’t model my game after anyone I wouldn’t say though.

There isn’t one person I could say influenced me most in my defensive capabilities. There have been a variety of people along the way from high school coaches to college coaches. It’s been more about refining my ability every step of the way even up here. I’m constantly trying to get better.

I get to the ballpark early. For a 7 o’clock game, I’ll get to the field around two-ish. What I’ll do then is eat.

My pregame meal varies. I’m not into eating the same thing before every game. I like to mix things up a little bit.

I need a place for my World Series ring. It’s still in the box, believe it or not. No dust can get on it in there. I haven’t even worn it.

My best minor league story is a game I actually got injured in. Toward the end of my first full season, we were in New Britain, Connecticut. I led off the game and got a base hit. I was at first base and I was sifting around, getting my read. I was talking to the first baseman saying, “Wow, how much has it rained here lately because it’s soaked here?” He said that it hadn’t rained in weeks, that they had just overwatered the field. They either overwater it or don’t water it enough here. Very next pitch, I run and take off for second. It was just a slow roller that went through to center field. I was going to attempt to go to third but the center fielder crashed on the ball really well. So I went to go stop. I slid and popped my ankle and was limp-fishing it. The trainers came out and were tip-toeing though the dirt because that’s how wet it was. Rain wasn’t even involved! But my best minor league game was I actually had a five-hit game before. That was a first for me.

The word I’d use to describe this season is learning. I’m learning. I’m learning teammates with new teammates here. I’m learning myself and dealing with adversity.

The question I have been asked the most by the media lately is how do I feel offensively. My answer is hitting is like an injury. It’s day to day.

I didn’t pick to wear No. 25. It was assigned to me. I would actually pick to wear 19 because my birthday is on the 19th.

My biggest fear is God because I’m a God-fearing man.

My celebrity crush is Beyonce -- and my wife knows.

I prefer magazines to books. I browse through magazines. I saw a Jackie Robinson anniversary magazine and read that recently.

The chick flick my wife makes me watch but I secretly like is Tyler Perry’s The Single Mom’s Club. I will say though that my wife is actually pretty good about not making me watch those.

I’ve had some strange autograph requests. They’re all different in their own way, who am I to judge? Normally it’s baseball stuff like a ball I’m asked to sign. But I’ve been asked to sign T-shirts, cell phones, a wallet. I did actually sign someone’s wallet. I’ve signed people’s shoes including a flip-flop too.

Some of my favorites are ... My favorite TV show is coming up, which is the Blacklist, that’s a good one. My favorite dessert is strawberry cheesecake ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. My favorite snack food is strawberry cheesecake. My favorite animal is a dog, but I don’t have one. I want one though. My favorite road city is Seattle. I like the city. I think the stadium is really nice. Safeco is actually my favorite road stadium to play at. I like the Space Needle and have been there. I went on the duck boat tour where I learned a lot about Seattle. The city has a lot to offer.

I like to do touristy things when I’m on the road. I explore the cities we go to all the time. My best recommendation is if you’re in Chicago to go on the skydeck at the Sears Tower. It pretty much makes all skyscrapers look like little Lego buildings. Another example of something fun to do is when we were in Tampa, I took a helicopter tour.

I’ve taken a meeting with Donald Trump in his office. It’s all about who you know, right? I was hanging out with Shane Victorino. Usually some of the veteran guys take care of the rookies by getting them a new suit. His suit place was actually in Trump Tower. I had made a connection with his suit people because they had actually made my tux for my wedding. Everything kind of came full circle as I had stayed in contact with them. So a meeting with Donald Trump was set up. His advice to me was don’t get fired.

I’m a night person, not a morning person. I’m a night owl.

My good luck charm is, let’s go sweet with this answer, my wife. I’m not superstitious at all though.

Something you don’t know about me is I am related to Michael Jordan. His grandfather and my grandmother’s grandmother are brother and sister. I have not met Michael Jordan, but I have met his grandfather at our family reunion in North Carolina when I was 8. Even though I am related to Michael Jordan, the Bobcats aren’t my favorite team. I’m a Lakers fan. I’ve always liked them because I’m a giant Kobe Bryant fan. He’s my favorite athlete.