By Shawn Nowlin
One doesn’t have to be an aficionado to see a professional athlete perform and conclude that they are elite in their craft.
In his prime, Jackie Bradley Jr., was an outstanding baseball player.
After growing up in Prince George, Va., he accepted a scholarship to play at the University of South Carolina. In addition to leading the Gamecocks to back-to-back College World Series Championships in 2010-11, he earned CWS Most Outstanding Player honors.
Chosen by Boston in the 2011 MLB Draft, Bradley quickly became a favorite on the Salem Red Sox roster with his elite defense and strong plate discipline. Over 67 games, he batted a .359 average, which propelled his ascension through Boston’s farm system.
After a year of dominating the minor league, Bradley officially made his MLB debut. He immediately became of the league’s best defensive outfielders.
In 2016, he was named an American League All-Star. In 2018, while helping the Red Sox win the World Series, Bradley earned a Gold Glove Award.
For his contributions throughout his first seven MLB seasons, both on and off the field, Bradley was rewarded with a two-year, $24 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. That year, he appeared in 134 games, batting .163 with six home runs and 29 RBIs.
After Milwaukee, Bradley went on to play for Toronto and Kansas City. He also became the first ex-MLB player to join the Banana Ball League full-time when the Indianapolis Clowns selected him with the league’s No. 1 draft choice.
Since retirement, he’s worked as a college basketball analyst with the SEC Network.
To be considered for the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame induction, individuals, whether local legends or national figures, must have made a significant impact on the game.
Because of Bradley’s work ethic and organizational contributions, it was a foregone conclusion that he was destined to end up there.
During the ceremony, which occurred on Feb. 1 at the Salem Civic Center, Bradley was surrounded by loved ones, proud colleagues and fervent supporters.
Bradley’s fellow class inductees are former Christiansburg star Drew Bailey, former Liberty High School star Donald Minnick, former Salem High coach Wes McMillan and Salem RidgeYaks general manager Allen Lawrence.
According to its website, “The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame honors players and contributors from the counties of Alleghany, Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke and the independent cities located within the boundaries of those counties. Located next to the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium, the Hall is open during the minor league season on selected nights.”
