Chad Bradford

Bradford with the Tampa Bay Rays

Pitcher

Born: September 14, 1974 (age 42)
Jackson, Mississippi

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

MLB debut

August 1, 1998, for the Chicago White Sox

Last MLB appearance

September 23, 2009, for the Tampa Bay Rays

MLB statistics

Win–loss record

36–28

Earned run average

3.26

Strikeouts

313

Teams

Chadwick Lee "Chad" Bradford (born September 14, 1974) is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) relief pitcher. He was well known for his extreme submarine-style pitching, and his success in MLB despite his unconventional delivery and the slow speed at which he threw the ball (his fastball was only in the mid 80-mph range). This led to him figuring prominently in the Michael Lewis book Moneyball, which in 2011 was made into the film of the same title. Bradford is played by actor Casey Bond in the film.

Bradford was born in Byram, Mississippi. His father had suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, so that he could only throw underhand when playing catch with his son. Author Michael Lewis speculates that memories of his father's throwing motion may have contributed to the development of Bradford's pitching style.

Bradford went to Byram High School. Unlike most players who become major leaguers, he had not exhibited outstanding athletic talent through the early years of high school. But his high school coach suggested he try sidearm pitching after learning some tips about the approach from a professional player. This technique brought him enough success to get a spot on the teams of Hinds Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1994, but elected to stay in college through 1996. The White Sox—the only major league team that had even scouted him—re-drafted him in the 13th round of the 1996 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his major league debut in 1998 while 23 years old.

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Wikipedia