Some players leave an indelible mark on the game; others, like Mark Bradley, leave a unique, if not fleeting, footprint. While his time with the Mets was brief, Bradley's journey from Elizabethtown High School to Shea Stadium reminds us that every player who dons the orange and blue is forever part of the Mets family. This December has been a heartbreaking month for Mets fans, as we mourn the loss of Jack DiLauro, Ricky Henderson, Lenny Randle, and now a fourth member of the orange and blue family, Mark Bradley.
Originally drafted as an infielder by the Dodgers in the first round of the 1975 MLB draft, Bradley’s early career showed promise. He was a consistent performer in the minors, hitting .283 with 70 home runs and 442 RBIs over seven seasons. But as is often the case in baseball, the road to the majors is more winding than straight. After his September call-up in 1981, his lone hit in six at-bats came off Houston's Billy Smith—a double, no less. That was Mark Bradley: a glimpse of potential, always ready to seize a moment.
By 1983, the Mets, in desperate need of help, traded for Bradley during spring training. It was a move that brought him to a team struggling to find its footing. His first hit as a Met came after an 0-for-8 start, but on May 10, he went 3-for-5 against the Astros, showcasing his knack for resilience. And on June 2, he launched his first major league home run, a pinch-hit blast off the legendary Fernando Valenzuela. Sure, the Mets lost that game in 14 innings—and manager George Bamberger resigned shortly thereafter—but for Bradley, it was another moment etched in the annals of baseball trivia: two of his three career home runs came off Valenzuela, with the third off Steve Trout.
His 1983 season was his only full year in the majors. With a .202 batting average, three homers, and five RBIs, Bradley’s stat line wasn’t eye-popping, but every at-bat told a story. His .500 career average against Hall of Famer Steve Carlton? Impressive. His 1.000 batting average against several pitchers? Delightfully quirky. Bradley’s brief career serves as a reminder that baseball isn’t just about the stars; it’s also about the players who fill the roster, the guys who grind and persevere.
After his release by the Mets in 1984, Bradley played one more season in the minors before retiring. His name might not echo in Cooperstown, but it graces the 1984 Topps #316 baseball card, a curious anomaly considering he didn’t play in the majors that year. It’s a collector’s quirk, much like Bradley himself—a player whose story will always bring a smile to the diehard fans who remember.
Mark Bradley passed away on December 30, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky, after battling colorectal cancer. He was just 67. Bradley may not have been a household name, but he’ll always be part of the Mets family. And in baseball, that’s what matters. Rest in peace, Mark. You’ll be remembered not just for the numbers, but for being part of something bigger than yourself: the game we all love.