PEABODY — Ryan Bradley is a Division 1 pitcher for Bryant University and currently plays for the North Shore Navigators. The Peabody resident and St. John’s Prep graduate reflected on his career to date.
Bradley mentioned he’s been playing baseball for as long as he can remember.
“I’ve been playing on teams since Peabody Little League when I was 5,” Bradley said. “But even before that, I was swinging a bat in my backyard and playing catch with my dad.”
It was Bradley’s father who got him into the sport.
“My dad got me into baseball,” Bradley said. “He played a little bit of baseball growing up. When we were doing nothing on weekends he’d bring me outside and throw the ball with me, and I fell in love with it ever since.”
When asked what his favorite part of baseball was, Bradley mentioned the competition between him and the batter.
“I love competing. Being able to go out there and compete against a hitter one versus one with the infielders behind me is great,” Bradley said. “Just having a competitive mindset when I’m out there pitching, there’s nothing like that.”
Being a pitcher, Bradley mentioned he has to have a strong mindset with every batter he faces.
“[My mindset] is something that I have been working on in the last couple of years,” Bradley said. “Just doing research and being the best player I can be. I realized that the game can be simpler than what you make it at times. When the batters are in the box, the only thing I can focus on is executing the pitch I’m going to throw.”
“Being able to individualize each pitch and trying to execute that throw will at the end of the day help my team win. It’s about narrowing my focus down to that specific pitch. Knowing I have to out-execute the hitter,” Bradley said.
In addition to having an elite mentality on the mound, Bradley noted that it’s just as important to have a short memory.
“That’s the most important thing about pitching. It’s important to have a short memory,” Bradley said. “You can be in a jam and the only thing that will get you out of it is to execute on the next pitch. The only thing you can control during the game is that pitch. If a kid hits a home run, you just have to tip your cap and move on to the next one.”
Bradley said he enjoyed his time at St. John’s Prep and credited the school with his development as a player.
“It was awesome. They are really good developing guys. It’s not a school where you go in and you’ll have an impact right away. They’re going to take their time and do everything they can, so during the back end of your high-school career you’ll be ready to compete for championships,” Bradley said.
Bradley, who was born and raised in Peabody, said the community is what sets Peabody apart from the rest.
“Peabody is a great community. Everyone you meet is supportive and there to help you no matter what,” Bradley said. “Not even in sports, but in general people are always volunteering and caring for one another. Being surrounded by these people with that mindset and care really allows me to use that towards other people and towards things I love to do.”
Now, Bradley is playing for the Navigators and repping his home city.
“Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of playing for the Navigators. I looked up to those guys,” Bradley said. “It’s a great opportunity for college athletes to play in a league like this. I am fortunate enough to play for the Navigators and be close to home. It’s the closest thing to representing my area and city in terms of summer league. It’s awesome.”
