Buddy Bradford – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Charles William “Buddy” Bradford played outfield in Major League Baseball for a decade, moving through five teams before hanging up his cleats in 1976. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, and made his debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1966, bouncing around several organizations as the years passed.

Bradford’s MLB career ran from 1966 to 1976. He put up a .226 batting average, hit 52 home runs, and tallied 175 RBIs in 697 games. Fans mostly remember him for his strong arm and solid defense, even though he never snagged a Gold Glove. His baseball journey took him from the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals, with a few returns to Chicago mixed in.

Bradford wrapped up his MLB days with the White Sox in 1976. He then tried his luck in Japan, joining the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball in 1977.

His story really captures what a lot of journeyman players experienced during the shifting baseball scene of the late ’60s and ’70s.

Early Life and Background

Charles William Bradford was born July 25, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up playing baseball with his family.

He later attended San Fernando High School in California, where his baseball skills kept getting better.

Family Origins and Childhood

Charles William Bradford came into the world on July 25, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama. His family introduced him to baseball early on.

He spent most of his childhood in Mobile, often playing baseball with relatives. This early exposure really helped shape his athletic abilities and love for the game.

Bradford showed a knack for baseball from a young age. His family encouraged his interest and helped him grow as an athlete.

Mobile’s baseball culture also played a big part in his development. The city had a reputation for producing baseball talent, which gave him opportunities to hone his skills.

High School Years at San Fernando High School

Bradford’s family moved to California, and he ended up at San Fernando High School in San Fernando. This move turned out to be a big step in his baseball journey.

At San Fernando, Bradford played actively for the school team. He started to stand out as a real prospect for the next level.

The high school environment pushed him to refine his skills and compete with other talented players. His dedication and natural ability set him apart.

Bradford’s passion for baseball only grew during these years. His strong performance at San Fernando set the stage for his future in pro baseball.

Eventually, his time at San Fernando led to him signing as an amateur free agent with the Chicago White Sox in 1966.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Buddy Bradford played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1966 to 1976, mostly as an outfielder for five different teams. He spent three separate stints with the Chicago White Sox, and also logged time with Cleveland, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. He racked up 697 games, a .226 batting average, and 52 home runs.

Major League Debut and Teams

Bradford made his MLB debut on September 9, 1966, with the Chicago White Sox at age 22. In his first season, he played 14 games and managed just 4 hits in 28 at-bats, hitting .143.

The White Sox were his main team throughout his career. He played for Chicago during three periods: 1966-1970, 1972-1975, and 1976.

Between those years, he also suited up for the Cleveland Indians (1970-1971), Cincinnati Reds (1971), and St. Louis Cardinals (1975).

Bradford played multiple positions thanks to his versatility. He mostly covered the outfield but also spent time at third base and as a designated hitter.

At 5’11” and 170 pounds, he fit the mold of a utility player.

Notable Performances and Statistics

Bradford had his best year in 1969, hitting .256 with 11 home runs and 27 RBI in 93 games. That season marked his career highs in several categories, and it was the only year his OPS topped .750.

He finished his career with 363 hits, 175 RBI, and 36 stolen bases in 1,605 at-bats. Bradford posted a .311 on-base percentage, showing decent plate discipline with 184 walks.

In 1974, he showed his potential in a smaller sample. He played just 39 games but hit .333 with 5 home runs and put up a .925 OPS, his best single-season mark.

Key Moments Across Career

Bradford made White Sox history on April 25, 1969, becoming only the fourth player from the team to hit a home run over the Comiskey Park roof. That blast came off Minnesota Twins pitcher Tom Hall during his most productive season.

He played his final major league game on July 24, 1976, against the Minnesota Twins. Bradford went 0-for-4 that day, ending his career where it started, with the White Sox.

Over 11 seasons, Bradford mostly served as a fourth outfielder, bringing speed, some power, and defensive versatility. He spent a combined 10 years with Chicago, appearing in 473 games and collecting 283 hits.

Team Tenures and Transitions

Bradford’s pro career stretched over 11 seasons and four different teams, but his most significant contributions came during his three separate runs with the Chicago White Sox. He also had productive years with the Cleveland Indians and a short stint with the Cincinnati Reds.

Chicago White Sox Contributions

Bradford’s connection with the Chicago White Sox really defined his career. He played for them in three stretches: 1966-1970, 1972-1975, and 1976.

The team first called him up in September 1966, when he was just 22.

His most memorable moment came on April 25, 1969—he became only the fourth White Sox player to hit a home run over the Comiskey Park roof. He did it off Twins pitcher Tom Hall, really showing off his power.

In 1969, Bradford hit a career-best 11 home runs. That year, he showed he could bring both speed and power, mostly as a fourth outfielder.

The White Sox relied on his versatility and defense. He backed up all three outfield spots and chipped in some offense.

He finished his MLB days in Chicago, from 1972 through most of 1976.

Time with Cleveland Indians (CLE)

Bradford joined the Cleveland Indians in 1970 and stayed through 1971. This was his longest run with a team other than the White Sox.

In Cleveland, he kept his role as a utility outfielder. The Indians leaned on his defense, and he chipped in some offense when needed.

His time with the Indians brought a bit of stability in the middle of his career. The team valued his professional attitude and steady glove.

Bradford showed he could adapt to different teams and styles of play during his Cleveland years.

Brief Period with Cincinnati Reds (CIN)

Bradford’s time with the Cincinnati Reds in 1971 was short. He passed through during a year of transition, moving from the Indians back to Chicago.

The Reds used him mostly as a backup outfielder, and his role stayed consistent with the rest of his career—providing depth and reliable defense.

This quick stint really highlighted the journeyman aspect of his later career. Teams seemed to appreciate his experience and steady presence in the clubhouse.

Batting and Fielding Achievements

Bradford hit for moderate power, finishing with 52 home runs and 175 RBIs over 11 seasons. His defensive skills in the outfield added value to every team he played for.

Power Hitting and RBIs

Bradford hit 52 home runs in his 11-year run, averaging nearly five per season. His best power showing came in 1969, when he hit 11 homers for the White Sox.

He drove in 175 runs total, with his most productive season in 1975—he had 30 RBIs that year, even while splitting time between two teams.

His career .226 batting average reflected his role as a utility guy more than a star. He posted a .311 on-base percentage, showing he could work a walk now and then.

Bradford’s .364 slugging percentage came from 50 doubles and 8 triples. In 1974, he stood out with a .333 average and .510 slugging in limited action.

Defensive Abilities as an Outfielder

Bradford played all three outfield spots during his career, giving his teams defensive flexibility. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, he covered ground well wherever he played.

His defensive skills helped him stick with four different teams. He moved between right field, center, and left, making himself valuable as a backup.

Bradford’s glove work went hand-in-hand with his offensive game, especially during his longer runs with the White Sox. His fielding helped keep him in the league through 1976.

Managers valued his steady glove and baseball smarts. He gave teams defensive stability throughout the season.

Post-MLB Career and Retirement in 1976

The Chicago White Sox released Buddy Bradford on July 25, 1976, ending his Major League Baseball career. Still, that wasn’t quite the end of his baseball journey.

After eleven seasons in the majors, Bradford decided to try his luck in Japan before finally stepping away from the game.

Transition to Japanese League

After his MLB release, Bradford signed with the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league for the 1977 season.

He debuted in the NPB on April 2, 1977. Adjusting to Japanese baseball turned out to be tough for him. The style of play and the pitching in Japan gave him trouble.

During his time with the Buffaloes, Bradford struggled. He hit just .192 with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs. Compared to his MLB stats—a .226 average and 52 home runs over eleven seasons—these numbers were a drop-off.

The differences in culture and baseball style in Japan made it hard for Bradford to find his groove. His stint with Kintetsu was short and marked by offensive struggles.

Final Retirement from Professional Baseball

Bradford played his last professional game on July 10, 1977, for the Kintetsu Buffaloes. His time in Japan lasted just one season, from April to July 1977.

He decided to retire after continuing to struggle at the plate in the NPB. His brief time in Japan showed just how tough it could be for American players to adjust to international leagues back then.

Bradford’s retirement ended a pro baseball career that spanned over a decade. He went from his MLB debut with the White Sox on September 9, 1966, to his final game in Japan.

He finished with 697 MLB games, a .226 batting average, 52 home runs, and 175 RBIs, playing for the White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Personal Life and Legacy

Buddy Bradford kept his personal life pretty private, rarely sharing family matters with the public. His impact on baseball went beyond stats—he inspired young players and earned respect as an outfielder with a strong defensive arm.

Family and Private Life

Charles William Bradford, or just Buddy to most folks, was born on July 25, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama. As a kid, he played baseball with his family and later moved out west to attend San Fernando High School in California.

Throughout his career, Bradford almost never talked about his personal life with reporters. He kept his attention on baseball and rarely mentioned his marriage or children.

He married Patricia in 1971. They settled down in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, and raised their daughter Tambry there.

Family Details:

• Wife: Patricia Bradford (married 1971)
• Children: Daughter named Tambry
• Residence: Ladera Heights, Los Angeles

By keeping his family out of the spotlight, Bradford made it easier to concentrate on his baseball career. Back then, a lot of players felt the same way and kept their personal lives separate from the game.

Impact and Inspiration for Future Players

Bradford’s career inspired plenty of young baseball players, especially kids from backgrounds like his. He grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and still made it all the way to the majors—proof that hard work and talent could get you there, no matter where you started.

He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1966 as an amateur free agent. That move showed other aspiring players that you didn’t have to go the college route to make it in pro baseball.

One of Bradford’s big moments came on April 25, 1969, when he became just the fourth White Sox player to hit a home run over the Comiskey Park roof. He did it off Minnesota Twins pitcher Tom Hall during a season when he hit a personal best of 11 home runs.

Bradford switched teams several times, but he always found a way to adapt and keep playing at a high level. Over his 11 seasons, he played for five different teams.

Young outfielders paid close attention to how Bradford played. He brought speed, power, and solid defense to the field, making him a real example for players hoping to carve out a spot as utility players.

Recognition in Baseball Community

Bradford made a name for himself as a solid outfielder with standout defensive skills.

At 5 feet 11 inches and about 170 pounds, he had the right build for outfield work.

His strong throwing arm really set him apart. Teammates and rivals both noticed it, and honestly, it probably helped him stick around in pro ball longer than some expected.

People in baseball circles saw Bradford as a steady fourth outfielder. He handled that job for several teams and always brought a sense of reliability.

Career Statistics:

• Games played: 697
• Batting average: .226
• Home runs: 52
• RBIs: 175
• Stolen bases: 36

After his MLB days wrapped up in 1976, Bradford spent a season with the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan in 1977.

That international stint added another layer to his story and proved he just couldn’t stay away from the game.

Most folks in the baseball community admired Bradford more for his work ethic and defense than his numbers at the plate.

Players respected how he approached the game and the way he adapted to different roles as his career went on.