Early Life
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.
According to Michael Lewis's Moneyball, Bradford attended Central Hinds Academy in Raymond, Mississippi. The Baseball Cube differs, stating that Bradford went to Byram High School. (The two sources are not necessarily inconsistent; The Baseball Cube categorizes players by the high school from which they graduated.) 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.
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