Milton Bradley's journey through Major League Baseball was marked by both talent and controversy. Born on April 15, 1978, in Harbor City, California, Bradley grew up with a passion for baseball, eventually leading him to a professional career. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the second round of the 1996 MLB Draft, setting the stage for his entry into the major leagues.
Bradley made his MLB debut with the Expos in 2000. His time with the team was relatively short, as he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2001. With the Indians, Bradley began to showcase his skills as a switch-hitting outfielder. His performance in Cleveland was solid, and he quickly became known for his ability to get on base and his defensive capabilities in the outfield.
In 2004, Bradley was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities on the field. However, his tenure with the Dodgers was also marked by several off-field incidents and confrontations, which began to overshadow his on-field performance. Despite these challenges, Bradley's talent was undeniable, and he continued to find opportunities with other teams.
Bradley's career took him to the Oakland Athletics in 2006, where he played a key role in helping the team reach the playoffs. His time with the Athletics was followed by a stint with the San Diego Padres in 2007. It was during this period that Bradley's on-field performance was often interrupted by injuries, limiting his playing time.
In 2008, Bradley signed with the Texas Rangers, where he had one of his best seasons. He led the American League in on-base percentage and was selected to the All-Star Game, highlighting his potential when healthy and focused. His success with the Rangers led to a lucrative contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2009. However, his time in Chicago was marred by further controversies and clashes with teammates and management, leading to his trade to the Seattle Mariners in 2010.
Bradley's tenure with the Mariners was short-lived, as his performance declined and off-field issues persisted. He was released by the team in 2011, effectively ending his major league career. Throughout his time in MLB, Bradley played for eight different teams, a testament to both his talent and the challenges he faced in maintaining stability within a single organization.
Milton Bradley's baseball career is remembered for its mix of talent and turbulence.
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