Colton Bradley, SS/MIF, Gull Lake HS, 2013

PBR:  Congrats on committing to Central Michigan.  What were some of the factors in making this decision?
Bradley: I thought that it would be the best fit for me. I really like the campus size and location. The coaching staff made the decision pretty easy as well. The history of the program also had an effect and the opportunity to play early had effects.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?
Bradley: I visited MSU and Grand Valley, and had also been contacted by Westen Michigan. CMU was clearly the best fit.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?
Bradley:  Not really, I am glad that I am able to stay within a few hours of home, but distance really was not a factor.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Bradley: At the 5/3 Camp last June. They followed up immediatly after the camp and came to numerous games over the course of the summer.

PBR:  What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Bradley:  They anticipate me playing on the left side of the infield with some possiblity to play second base. Looking forward to wherever they want me to play.

PBR:  What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?
Bradley: My work ethic. I am always willing to put in the extra hours at practice, in the field and in the cage, to get better.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?
Bradley:  I play for the West Michigan Warriors for Mark Harris during the summer. Just a great group of close friends having fun on the field. My most memorable experience of last summer would have to be hitting a walk-off homerun at Goshen College.

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Bradley:  Individually is to prepare myself over the winter and during the season to most well prepare me for when I get to Central. Our team goal is definatly a State Championship. We are returing 11 seniors from last years team, and have a handful of promising younger players.

PBR: Who has been the most influential person in your baseball career to this point?
Bradley:  Definitely my sister, parents, and current high school and summer coach. My parents are always there for me, getting me to lessons and strength and conditioning. My summer and high school coaches, Mark Harris and Bill Blakely, are always willing to help me put in the extra effort before and after practice. And lastly my sister, is always competing with me to see who is the better athlete. (Which is her by the way)

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in the state? 
Bradley: The best pitcher that I have ever faced was during my sophomore year, we faced Joel Seddon in the state semifinals game. As we know he is now playing for South Carolina. That slider... Ouch. The best player that I ever saw, and even had the great fortune of playing with was Zach Fish.