In the high-stakes, fast-moving world of Major League Baseball, every player has a routine. Some adjust their batting gloves with surgical precision, while others tap their cleats with the barrel of the bat.
However, for Jackie Bradley Jr., the moments before the first pitch of an at-bat are reserved for a quiet, deeply personal act that often goes unnoticed by the casual observer.
If you look closely as he approaches home plate, you will see him lean down and use his finger or the knob of his bat to etch letters into the dirt. This isn’t a strategy for the game or a way to mark his territory; it is a sacred tribute to the people who shaped his life.
This blog post explores the history, the heartbreak, and the inspiration behind the initials “MM” and “MS” that have become a permanent fixture of Bradley’s professional career.
The Mystery in the Dirt: What is Jackie Bradley Jr. Writing?
For years, fans and commentators have speculated about the markings in the batter’s box. In a sport where superstitions are common, many assumed it was a lucky charm or a prayer. The reality is far more grounded in human connection.
Traditionally, before every at-bat, Jackie Bradley Jr. writes the initials “MM” or “MS” in the dirt near home plate. These letters serve as a silent dialogue between the outfielder and the loved ones he has lost, transforming a standard baseball field into a place of remembrance.
Decoding the Initials: Who are MS and MM?
The initials are not just letters; they represent the pillars of Bradley’s personal history. To understand why he performs this ritual, one must look at the two individuals who inspired it.
1. “MS”: The Memory of Matt Saye
The initial “MS” stands for Matt Saye, who was Jackie Bradley Jr.’s best friend during their high school years. Their bond was forged through a shared love of the game and a brotherhood that extended far beyond the diamond.
Tragically, the trajectory of their friendship was cut short in 2011. Matt Saye was killed in a car accident, a loss that profoundly impacted Bradley just as his own professional career was beginning to take shape.
By writing “MS” in the dirt, Bradley ensures that his best friend still has the “best seat in the house” for every game he plays.
2. “MM”: A Double Tribute to Martha and Matt
While “MS” was the original mark, many fans noticed a shift to “MM” later in Bradley’s career. The second “M” was added to honor his grandmother, Martha, who passed away in 2014.
In this updated version of the ritual, “MM” serves a dual purpose: it represents both Martha and Matt. It is a way for Bradley to keep his family and his closest friend together in spirit as he faces some of the most intense moments of his professional life.
The Evolution of the Ritual: From MS to MM
Rituals often grow and change as a person experiences more of life, and Jackie Bradley Jr.’s tribute is no exception.
Reports from early in his career indicate that he primarily wrote “MS” as a singular tribute to his friend Matt. This was his way of processing the 2011 tragedy while navigating the minor leagues and his eventual call-up to the majors.
However, following the death of his grandmother in 2014, the ritual expanded. In later interviews, Bradley began commonly referring to the initials as “MM,” reflecting the inclusion of Martha into his pre-at-bat routine.
This evolution shows that the dirt is not just a place for a habit, but a living memorial that Bradley carries with him through every season and every team change.
The Purpose: Why He Scripts the Dirt
To the outside world, it might seem like a small gesture, but for Bradley, it is a vital part of his mental preparation. He performs this gesture for two primary reasons:
- To Honor Their Memory: In the busy schedule of a professional athlete, it can be easy to lose track of the “why” behind the work. This ritual forces a moment of reflection, ensuring that Matt and Martha are never forgotten.
- A Symbolic Support System: Baseball is a game of failure, where even the best players fail 70% of the time. Bradley uses the initials to remind himself that he is not alone and that those he lost are still supporting him from afar.
By scripting these names into the earth, Bradley grounds himself. He isn’t just playing for a box score or a contract; he is playing for the people who believed in him before he was a star.
The Psychological Power of Sports Rituals
The specific meaning behind Bradley’s initials, his actions fit into a broader tradition of “anchoring” in sports psychology. Athletes often use physical cues—like writing in the dirt—to enter a state of “flow.”
For Bradley, the ritual acts as a “reset button.” No matter what happened in the previous inning or the previous game, the act of writing “MM” centers his focus.
It shifts his mindset from the pressure of the crowd to the comfort of his personal history. This emotional grounding can be a powerful tool in maintaining composure under pressure.
How Fans Have Responded
The story of the “scripted dirt” has resonated deeply with baseball fans across the country. In an era where professional athletes can sometimes feel distant or unapproachable, Bradley’s vulnerability regarding his grief has made him a fan favorite.
When the meaning behind the initials was first revealed through outlets like ESPN and “I Am Second,” it sparked a conversation about how we carry our losses with us.
For many fans who have also lost friends or grandparents, watching Bradley write those initials is a reminder that it is okay to bring your personal history into your professional space.
Conclusion: A Legacy Written in the Earth
Jackie Bradley Jr.’s career will eventually be defined by his Gold Glove defense, his clutch hitting, and his championship rings. But for those who look closely at the dirt around home plate, his legacy is also one of loyalty and love.
The initials MM and MS are a testament to the fact that we are the product of the people who loved us. Every time Bradley steps into the box and bends down to write in the dirt, he is proving that while people may leave us, the impact they made on our lives remains—etched into everything we do.
So, the next time you see Jackie Bradley Jr. take a breath and reach for the dirt, know that you aren’t just watching a baseball game.
You are witnessing a tribute to a best friend and a grandmother, a moment of silence in a loud stadium, and a powerful reminder that no one ever truly walks to the plate alone.
