Jaylen Brown to the Phillies? The Sixers’ new star was spotted playing baseball in the Dominican Republic.
Brown has been busy this summer — he previously was seen boxing in Morocco. What could be next for the Sixers’ prized offseason accquisition?
Between warm nights at Citizens Bank Park and a week of All-Star festivities, it’s a certified baseball summer for Philadelphia. Even Jaylen Brown, one of our area’s newest residents, couldn’t resist America’s pastime.
Videos of Brown playing baseball in the Dominican Republic circulated Wednesday on social media. Decked out in a La Javilla Academy uniform, the 76ers’ high-profile summer acquisition singled as a chorus of kids chanted “Philadelphia.”
La Javilla Academy is a prominent baseball facility in Santo Domingo Este. Founded in 1958, the program is run by former MLB player Alberto Castillo and has produced players like New York Yankees infielder Amed Rosario.
Brown seems unable to stay away from a good game, no matter the sport — he also was spotted boxing locals in Morocco this summer.
The athleticism must run in his blood. Brown recently revealed that he and former Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown are cousins. A.J. Brown, who was traded to the New England Patriots on June 1, has a history with baseball himself; he was drafted in the 19th round the San Diego Padres in 2016 before he decided to focus on football.
Jaylen Brown is much more well-known for his basketball prowess than his swing, but he looked at home in the batter’s box, soaking up the Dominican Republic’s love for baseball. The 6-foot-6 wing isn’t the first Sixer to pick up a pair of cleats, however.
» READ MORE: Mike Gansey ‘never would have envisioned’ landing Jaylen Brown in his first Sixers offseason
Mark Hendrickson, who played his rookie season in Philly (1996-97), also was a 10-year MLB veteran as a left-handed pitcher. He was drafted in the 20th round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 and broke into the majors in 2002, two years after his four-season NBA career ended.
Could Brown be the Phillies’ solution to that fifth spot in the starting rotation?
Probably not.
And as Brown enjoys the offseason, the Sixers still trying to take shape amid free agency as they await a decision by a certain former Laker.
No matter how things play out, fans will first see Brown in a Sixers jersey in the preseason opener on the road against his old team, the Boston Celtics, on Oct. 10. Boston then will come to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Oct. 16 for another preseason contest.
Until then, Brown can continue to enjoy the Caribbean and practice his swing instead of his shot.