Big Day Coming Up For Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- For every significant life occasion there is a moment where it finally sinks in that it is actually happening.

For Broken Arrow native Archie Bradley, it might have been hearing his name called in the MLB draft, or it might have been when he got a brief taste of minor league baseball at the very end of the Pioneer League in Montana.

But if Bradley's moment hasn't hit him yet, it is sure to hit him as he makes the long drive to Scottsdale, Ariz. this weekend to join up with the Diamondbacks for spring training.

He said he is certainly excited about the opportunity to get started, but also has a whirlwind of thoughts running through his head.

"First spring training, first experience with pro players, first time being a pro player myself," Bradley said. "Everything that goes into baseball is just kind of overwhelming to think about."

The Diamondbacks selected Bradley seventh overall in the MLB draft this past May, and since then, he has undergone the rigorous process of transitioning baseball from a sport to a career as well.

"I've been working out here at the football field (at Broken Arrow) and then I've been coming over and practicing with the baseball team every day at two, since about early December when they first started practicing," he said.

"I've been just trying to stay around baseball."

The Arizona coaches told Bradley that both his fastball and curveball are both Major League-ready pitches.

But one thing he is looking to perfect in order to work his way up through the ranks in a timely fashion is his changeup.

"That's the key pitch to making a career in the majors," Bradley said.

Diamondbacks pitchers report for practice on Feb. 20.

News On 6's Bobby Lewis spent a day with Bradley at Broken Arrow to get the full story on his thoughts and emotions heading into a big week.