April 22, 2003

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Tiger two-sport legend Phil Bradley, who spent eight seasons in the Major Leagues following a brilliant collegiate career, will have his No. 15 baseball jersey retired in a ceremony before this Sunday's Big 12 Conference series finale with Texas A&M, athletic department officials have announced.

Bradley is the first Tiger baseball player to be so honored. His number will join former head coaches John "Hi" Simmons and Gene McArtor on the outfield wall of Simmons Field, as well as on a plaque hanging on the Taylor Stadium concourse.

One of the most decorated athletes in Missouri annals, Bradley lettered in football at Missouri from 1977-81, and in baseball in 1979-81. A native of Macomb, Ill., Bradley starred as an outfielder on Missouri teams which won the 1980 Big Eight championship and advanced to the 1980 and 1981 NCAA Tournaments. Bradley was All-Big Eight, All-District and All-America in 1981, when he hit .457. Bradley was also the 1980 Big Eight Tournament MVP when Mizzou won the championship. He held school records for career walks and on-base percentage and held five school records when he graduated.

Bradley was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and played with them through 1987. He was named to the 1985 American League All-Star Team and hit a career-high 26 home runs that season. He also played with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox, and played briefly in Japan.

On the gridiron, Bradley quarterbacked the Tigers to three bowl games (1978 and 1980 Liberties and the 1979 Hall of Fame). He was a three-time Big Eight Conference "Offensive Player of the Year" and set the conference total offense record with 6,459 yards. He holds eight Missouri records for passing and total offense, and played in two all-star games, the Hula and Japan Bowls, after his senior season.

On-field festivities will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. in advance of the 1 p.m. first pitch between the 19th-ranked Tigers (27-12, 11-6 Big 12) and No. 14 Texas A&M (32-12, 12-6).

Year G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg.
1979 45 118 32 37 2 5 5 27 .314
1980 57 187 52 56 7 3 1 28 .299
1981 61 184 77 84 17 5 4 40 .457
TOTAL 163 489 161 177 26 13 10 95 .362