John Milledge Academy’s head baseball coach Justin Mills is stepping down and passing the torch to 27-year-old Tucker Bradley to lead the varsity baseball team. The school officially announced the position June 3 in an Instagram post.
Bradley played baseball at Gordon Lee High School and was a four-year varsity athlete. He went on to play at the University of Georgia for four years under coach Scott Stricklin.
However, his journey did not start in high school. Bradley said he had a “phenomenal experience” when he was younger, playing for his father’s team, The Chattanooga Chiefs, at just eight years old. He then played for the Georgia Bandits, where over a four-year span he had an astounding 104 wins to just four losses.
“I was always on very talented teams,” said Bradley. “It’s not the record you remember, it’s the friends you make and the memories you create through the years.”
Bradley is no stranger to large crowds after winning multiple championships at Cooperstown Dreams Park, as well as playing in front of thousands at the University of Georgia.
“Playing at Georgia was the most fun time of my life,” said Bradley.
“Met some of my best friends to this day and got to play in front of great crowds. We were able to flip the culture and view of the Georgia baseball program.”
After graduating from UGA, Bradley was signed by the Kansas City Royals. He played four years in the Royals minor league system making it up to the Triple-A Affiliate Omaha Storm Chasers.
After retiring as a player, Bradley wanted to get into coaching, teaching younger athletes how to become great ball players and even better men.
“I’m hoping to be able to create some positive impact on the next generation,” said Bradley.
“Making these kids better ball players is a bonus.
My goal is to help guide these boys into godly men who are ready for the next chapter of their lives.
“Ten years from now the wins and losses will happen, but I’m hoping to create an environment where people want to come back and be a part of the culture,” added Bradley. “Whether they are on my staff or just around to help give future players advice.”
Bradley said he feels he is ready for the task at hand and is very thankful for the opportunity that has been given to him.
“I am so blessed to be a part of this community. I want to thank Allen Simmons, JT Wall, and Justin Mills for the opportunity to lead this program.”