Former Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley (2010-11) has begun serving a 32-month jail sentence that he received in 2013 following his conviction on multiple counts of domestic violence and abuse. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Robinson ordered the 37-year-old Bradley taken into custody following a 12-day trial that concluded last week.
Bradley’s wife, Monique, died of cirrhosis of the liver in September, 2013, three months after testifying that over the course of her eight-year marriage to the former major leaguer she suffered “severe” physical and emotional abuse. Monique Bradley’s testimony was supported by evidence provided by Los Angeles police, photographs of her injuries, and testimony of numerous witnesses, including Bradley’s former nanny.
A jury convicted Bradley of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, assault with a deadly weapon (a baseball bat), and criminal threats. Bradley vigorously contested the charges during his trial, claiming that Monique Bradley was an alcoholic, that all the problems in his marriage stemmed from her “daily drinking,” and the case against him was a scheme perpetrated by his wife in order to win custody of their two children and extract a larger divorce settlement from him.
The jury didn’t buy it. Sports Illustrated recently did an in-depth look at Bradley’s behavior and police record that can be found here.
The Mariners acquired Bradley in a Dec. 18, 2009 trade with the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Carlos Silva and cash, a swap viewed at the time as an exchange of headaches (Silva posted an 8.60 ERA in eight games in 2009 after going 4-15, 6.46 in 2008).
In 101 games with the Mariners, Bradley hit .209 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs. He had a below-average .649 OPS.
On May 4, 2010, Bradley removed himself from a game and departed Safeco Field, subsequently asking the Mariners for help with a personal problem. The Mariners placed Bradley on the restricted list and he returned to the team three weeks later after undergoing treatment of an undisclosed nature. The Mariners placed Bradley on the disabled list July 31 with a knee injury. He finished the year batting .205 in 73 games.
After Bradley hit .218 in 28 games to start the 2011 season, the Mariners designated him for assignment. Unable to trade him, the Mariners released Bradley May 16. He never again played in the major leagues.
1 Comment
This guy can’t be rehabilitated unless a miracle happens within him. IMO, his wife died from the stress of their relationship. I hope his kids don’t get returned to him.