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Group photo of the Mesa Community College baseball team and coaching staff standing and kneeling on the field during practice. Players wear gray practice shirts, red caps, and baseball pants while coaches stand at either end of the group in red tops. The photo was taken during the filming of Red Bull's viral
Group photo of the Mesa Community College baseball team and coaching staff standing and kneeling on the field during practice. Players wear gray practice shirts, red caps, and baseball pants while coaches stand at either end of the group in red tops. The photo was taken during the filming of Red Bull's viral
Posted: Jul 27, 2026

REMEMBER WHEN: RED BULL & KRIS BRYANT PULLED OFF THE ULTIMATE PRANK ON THUNDERBIRD BASEBALL

Mesa Community College Baseball has built one of the most respected traditions in NJCAA baseball, producing championship teams, professional players, and a reputation recognized well beyond the junior college ranks. That reputation even caught the attention of Red Bull, which teamed up with future Major League Baseball star Kris Bryant to pull off a memorable prank on the Thunderbird baseball team.

The prank eventually became a viral sensation, with the official video amassing more than 22 million views across digital platforms and introducing millions of baseball fans to the Thunderbird Baseball program.

Before a 2016 practice, longtime head coach Tony Cirelli gathered his players with some unexpected news. He explained that the program would be adding a highly touted European transfer named Roy Nabryt, a player talented enough to take innings away from the pitching staff and at-bats away from position players as the team pursued another trip to the NJCAA World Series.

The announcement didn't sit well with the Thunderbirds who felt like they had earned their spot on the team.

As players stretched and prepared for practice, conversations quickly turned to frustration. Some questioned why a new player would join the team so late in the season, while others joked that they might convince the newcomer to leave before he ever suited up.

Then "Roy Nabryt" stepped into the batting cage.

One swing turned heads. Then another. Baseballs rocketed off the bat, soaring over outfield fences and crashing into the walls with effortless power. Players watched in amazement as the mysterious newcomer made hitting look easy.

It didn't take long before a few Thunderbirds started putting the pieces together.

The towering 6-foot-5 frame, the smooth swing, and the unmistakable presence looked awfully familiar. Soon the realization spread throughout the field—"Roy Nabryt" wasn't a European transfer at all.

It was Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant.

The prank was officially over, and the surprise gave way to excitement. Players laughed, shook Bryant's hand, and took advantage of the rare opportunity to spend time with one of baseball's brightest stars. What began as concern over losing playing time quickly turned into a memorable day of conversation, photos, and an unforgettable experience with a National League Rookie of the Year and future National League MVP.

More than a decade later, the video continues to be shared by baseball fans around the world. With more than 22 million views, it remains one of the most recognizable moments in Mesa Community College Athletics history and a memorable chapter in the rich tradition of Thunderbird Baseball.

 

Click here to view the Red Bull video. 

 

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