Archie Bradley isn’t arriving at the We-Ko-Pa Celebrity Wine & Spirits Festival as the bearded firebrand who once electrified Chase Field.
The former Arizona Diamondback is stepping into the event as something broader, warmer and unmistakably his own: a rising Arizona personality whose post‑baseball chapter is defined not by velocity, but by connection.
The rising social media star will mingle at the Celebrity Wine & Spirits Festival on Saturday, March 21, at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Stand-up comedy group Middle Aged Mayhem will serve as the official emcees for the event.
Also joining the lineup is country music singer Chuck Wicks and his wife Kasi Rosa Wicks with their Melorosa Wines, greeting guests and pouring samples for fans.
The former reliever is hoping patrons will see past his baseball career.
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“I’m still always going to be known as the baseball player, but I’m getting to go to the Celebrity Wine & Spirits Festival more as a celebrity than an athlete.”
Bradley is quick to clarify that he doesn’t chase the word “celebrity.” He laughs at it, actually. However, through speaking engagements, social media content, YouTube and a growing slate of appearances, he’s becoming known for his personality as much as his 2017 Wild Card triple.
“I know I’m there [We-Ko-Pa Celebrity Wine & Spirits Festival] because of baseball, but people want me there because of the way I am,” Bradley said.
“I’m trying to become my own person outside of baseball. I’m getting to be known for my speaking habits, or my speaking engagements, my content, my YouTube and then even my personality and my charisma.
He credits his parents for raising him to be outgoing and kind, and he thanks the Diamondbacks for reinforcing those values. Now, he wants to give that same feeling to the next generation.
The native Oklahoman calls Arizona “fully home” these days. He travels back east, however, for the fall hunting season.
He speaks about Arizona the way some people talk about homecomings — warmly, gratefully, with a sense of belonging that goes deeper than baseball. Drafted at 18, he grew up here. Now 33, he represents Arizona, the Diamondbacks and the community that shaped him is, to him, the real privilege.
That’s part of why the We-Ko-Pa Wine and Spirits Festival feels special. He was invited by Kerry Dunne, managing partner at R Entertainment, whom Bradley met while at the WM Phoenix Open’s famed 16th hole. Dunne saw something in him — charisma, warmth, a natural ability to connect — and asked him to join the festival as a host and representative. Bradley still credits Dunne for opening that door.
Bradley admittedly loves wine — especially a pre‑2018 Silver Oak cabernet — but what draws him most to the festival is its charitable efforts.
He lights up hearing that Joe Mantegna’s Señor Río Tequila benefits programs for children with special needs. That, he said, is the heart of the event.
“It spreads way further than you think it does,” he said. “The giving back part is truly the coolest, most rewarding and greatest part of what I get to do.”
Bradley learned about wine from his Arizona Diamondbacks teammates,” he said.
“I was fortunate to play in the Major Leagues with a lot of teammates who had a lot more money than I did,” he said, snickering. “I’ve had a lot of very good wine throughout my career.
Bradley’s schedule reads like that of a touring musician. In the span of a few weeks, he’s bouncing between NASCAR events, the M3F Music Festival — where he’ll hype crowds, mingle with artists, and create content — and the fishing competition at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville. There, he will represent Melin, the hat company he proudly represents. Then it’s back to Arizona for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the We-Ko-Pa Wine and Spirits Festival.
He is about to release a “tour schedule,” but the comparison fits. He’s everywhere, and he’s energized by it.
If there’s a throughline to Bradley’s post‑baseball life, it’s gratitude. He talks about throwing out the first pitch at Ahwatukee Little League, visiting Arcadia High’s baseball team, and meeting hundreds of kids with the same reverence some athletes reserve for playoff moments.
Bradley is honest about the transition from baseball. Getting hurt, retiring earlier than planned, and figuring out what came next wasn’t easy.
He’s exploring everything: baseball camps, community partnerships, maybe even a future role with the Diamondbacks. He’s not rushing it. He just knows he’s on the right path.
“When I was playing, everything was about Archie being cool and performing,” he said. “Now it’s about showing how cool everyone else is.”
That’s why the We-Ko-Pa Wine and Spirits Festival suits him so well. It’s a celebration of passion — actors, athletes and creators sharing the craft they love outside their day jobs. Bradley understands that deeply. He’s living it.
“I’m always going to be known as a baseball player, but I’m kind of getting to go to the festival more maybe as a celebrity than an athlete, which is kind of cool. But I say that in the humblest way.”
Information: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Celebrity Wine & Spirits Festival, scottsdalearts.org. Tickets start at $25. A portion of event proceeds supports Scottsdale Arts, and its mission to present traditional and contemporary arts of interest to worldwide audiences.
