Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2019

SPORTS & OUTDOORS reaching goals
B BBY
BRADLEY
Closing in on Major League Field of Dreams
Bstory by A.J. Giardina photos courtesy of Bobby Bradley
obby Bradley is attempting to
break down the
door that leads to
a Major League Baseball career. To accomplish that goal,
the former High School All-American from Harrison Central is using his bat to blast through the pro barrier. In
his first five seasons in the Cleveland Indians minor league system, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound first baseman blasted 116 home runs and 416 RBIs.
Last season, Bradley smashed
27 home runs in 129 games while playing for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers and the Double-A Akron RubberDucks. His amazing power caught the eye of Cleveland Indians manager Tony Francona.
“Thank God I got added to the Indians 40-man roster in November, which is a huge step toward my goal,” Bradley said. “Hopefully, with hard work, dedication, and staying humble, I will be up there fairly soon.”
Bradley knows he must become a consistent contact hitter and reduce his strikeout ratio. “I must stop trying to hit home runs every time I’m at bat,” he said. “I must do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
What is another vital area that will help Bradley become a solid major league player? He quietly responded
by saying, “Definitely defense. You can be struggling at the plate, but you can always be a great defender.”
In 2014, I remember watching Bradley against rival Gulfport High during his senior season at Harrison Central. His single into center field resembled a rocket shot exploding off a launching pad. Never had I witnessed a baseball smoked as hard as the one he hit that night.
Despite committing to LSU during his sophomore season, Bradley would never wear the purple and gold.
The Cleveland Indians drafted him on June 14, 2014. He was a third- round selection, 97th overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. A $912,500 deal was too much money to pass up.
TOP: BOBBY BRADLEY watches over a local baseball practice. ABOVE: BRADLEY wit A.J. Giardina
Bradley explains, “Some high school players want to play college ball before they turn pro. I wanted to get out and play professionally as fast as possible.”
Good Luck to Bobby Bradley!
66 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2019
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