On this Day we all have many things to give thanks! One to most of us was knowing Tom Bradley!!!! Tom lost his fight with cancer. Tommy was the ULTIMATE TEAMMATE! But more importantly an ULTIMATE FRIEND. Tommy played baseball with me on my Yankees team in the 35 for years! Never once complained never once made a negative comment. Even when he hurt his back and couldnt walk. He geared up in a playoff game caught the whole game. Without standing up! Crawling to passed balls to the fence. Tom even going through his cancer treatments , whenever I spoke to him he always asked about me, my wife and kids! It was never about him. Tom Bradley was a gift to the cdmsbl! And I for one am more than GRATEFUL you were a part of my life! Yes give thanks to all today, Say a prayer for you and yours! Keep Tom and his family in your thoughts! Rip my brother always love ya Lex
This is heartbreaking news as Tom was so positive in his battle with this hideous disease. I pray for his family during the holidays. The league should consider an annual award in his name to honor strength and courage in the face of adversity. RIP Tom!
When I posted on the bulletin board that Blaise had passed, I mentioned that his obituary was in the October 22nd edition of the Times Union. Calling hours were held the next day. His family was very appreciative of his teammates who attended, and also to those who sent condolences via cards, flowers, etc.
As for Tom Bradley, it was always a pleasure to see him at the park. Such a positive approach to life. He will be missed.
He was simply the kindest, most sincere, thoroughly upbeat and accepting person I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Just being around him made me feel better about everything.
Thank you Tom for being the example of what we all should be.
This one is very sad. I echo all that was said about Tom, especially Lex's and Ray's comments.
Tom was also a catcher for the over-55 Damn Yankees and simply a warm, out-going guy. Sometime, about four or five years ago, he and I chatted for five or ten minutes before a game with my Peppers. He told me then that he'd had good news, that his cancer appeared to be in remission and so he was back.
Remission, I knew, didn't mean pain-free and so I asked him about that. His reply: "Here? On the diamond, Mike, there is no pain."
I knew that wasn't so, but I wasn't about to argue the point. Tom felt good enough that night that his first at-bat, against me, he smacked a line shot single to left. His next, also against me, was another, to almost the same spot. I turned to look at him at first base after his second hit and I smiled at him. He'd earned those hits.
He smiled back.
-Mike
-- Edited by mikehart on Sunday 28th of November 2021 07:05:12 PM
2021 was a tough year for CDMSBL. We lost Dougie Z, Blaise, and now Tommy. Three of the nicest people I have ever met. I know were you are my friends. Look down on us with a smile. Love you and miss you.
Ouch! Tom was truly one of a kind. Very few players can be both competitive and a complete gentleman. Tom was one of those rare individuals. I was always glad to see Tom at the ballpark, because whatever mood I was in, it would be better after spending a couple minute in conversation with him. He was always upbeat, even in the tough times the last few years. Tom will be missed by every single person that ever crossed his path. Godspeed Tom Bradley! The pain is gone now! Nothing but green fields and blue skies for you.