Mike Bradley returned from injury to pros, saw two seasons

Into his college career, University of Texas hurler Mike Bradley injured his shoulder and that injury placed his future in the game in doubt, The Austin American-Statesman wrote.

But he made his way back, far enough to even see the pros as a possibility two seasons later, The American-Statesman wrote.

"I had my doubts about coming back," Bradley told The American-Statesman in May 1990. "The doctors told me I would be fully recovered in January of last year. In April, I still wasn't pitching."

Bradley's work to return, though, soon saw him pitching in the pros. His pro career, however, lasted parts of two seasons, as injury problems returned. He topped out at single-A.

Bradley's career began that year in 1990, taken by the Padres in the 31st round of the draft out of Texas. Bradley was also credited as Michael Bradley.

Bradley started with the Padres at short-season Spokane. Early on in the season, however, Bradley developed a sore arm, The Spokane Chronicle wrote. He pitched through it, pitching three strong outings in a row by early July.

"He's kept himself in games by being a smart pitcher rather than trying to overpower people," Spokane manager Gene Glynn told The Chronicle then.

Bradley ended up starting 15 games for Spokane. He went 7-2, with a 3.44 ERA and helped his team to the playoffs. But another injury, one to his shoulder, lingered ended his season in the playoffs, The Spokane Spokesman-Review wrote, noting praise the hurler had received for his grit.

"I figure you go right at people with your best stuff," Bradley told The Spokesman-Review then. "You've got to think when you're out there that you're better than hitters."

Bradley returned for 1991, at single-A Charleston, but briefly. He saw just two starts, giving up five earned in six innings of work. Those appearances proved his last as a pro.

• Austin American-Statesman, May 31, 1990: Making His Pitch
• Spokane Chronicle, July 9, 1990: Bradley's 'sore' arm lifts Tribe
• Spokane Spokesman-Review, Sept. 6, 1990: Tribe makes pitch for history

More: The 1990 Spokane Indians

1990 Minor League Tally 

Players/Coaches Featured:4,050
Made the Majors:1,345-33.2%
Never Made Majors:2,705-66.8%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:548
10+ Seasons in the Minors:333

More 1990 Minor Leaguers:

 - Denis Boucher played in majors for Blue Jays, Expos, 1/19/18
 - Eric Boudreaux played 6 seasons, made AAA with Phillies, 2/11/11
 - Rafael Bournigal played good defense, saw 7 ML seasons, 11/5/18

 - Mark Bowden started, relieved over decade in pros, 2/13/15
 - Ryan Bowen earned reputation as hard-luck majors pitcher, 1/5/12
 - Brent Bowers made bigs, coached, resigned in ump matter, 1/22/17
 - Jim Bowie saw 6 ML games with Athletics over 12 seasons, 7/25/10

 - Joe Boyce hit big Boise HR, saw 5 seasons over decade, 11/4/23

 - Tommy Boyce had big night for Salt Lake, saw 3 seasons, 4/10/22
 - Clete Boyer played in bigs, coached, had game perception, 4/13/11