Brad Thompson, American baseball player

Bradley Joseph Thompson: A Retrospective on His Major League Baseball Career

Bradley Joseph Thompson, born on January 31, 1982, in Sulphur, Louisiana, is an accomplished American former professional baseball pitcher. His Major League Baseball (MLB) career spanned six seasons, during which he showcased his pitching talents for two distinct franchises: the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals, from 2005 to 2010.

Early Career and MLB Debut with the St. Louis Cardinals

Thompson's journey to professional baseball began when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him as a right-handed pitcher in the 18th round of the 2000 MLB draft. He diligently developed his skills within the Cardinals' minor league system, demonstrating versatility as a pitcher capable of fulfilling both starting and relief roles. His perseverance paid off with his highly anticipated MLB debut on May 27, 2005, donning the Cardinals' iconic uniform.

During his tenure with the Cardinals from 2005 to 2008, Thompson primarily served as a valuable "swingman," contributing effectively out of the bullpen while also making spot starts. His most notable season with St. Louis was in 2007, where he made 30 appearances, including 19 starts, compiling a 7-5 win-loss record with a 4.70 earned run average (ERA) over 118.2 innings pitched. Like many professional athletes, Thompson's career was also affected by injuries, most significantly undergoing shoulder surgery in late 2008, which impacted his subsequent playing time.

Transition to the Kansas City Royals and Career Conclusion

Following his recovery and a trade, Bradley Thompson joined the Kansas City Royals, pitching for them during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. With the Royals, he predominantly worked as a relief pitcher, making 35 appearances in 2009. He concluded his professional playing career after the 2010 season. Overall, across his six MLB seasons, Thompson participated in 187 games, making 25 starts, and accumulated a career record of 13 wins and 12 losses with a 4.54 ERA. His career exemplified the dedication of a professional who adapted his role to meet team needs, providing valuable contributions as a versatile right-handed arm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley Thompson's Career

When was Bradley Thompson born?
Bradley Joseph Thompson was born on January 31, 1982.
Which MLB teams did Bradley Thompson play for?
He played for two Major League Baseball teams: the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals.
What years did Bradley Thompson play in Major League Baseball?
His professional MLB career spanned from the 2005 season to the 2010 season.
What position did Bradley Thompson play?
Bradley Thompson played as a professional pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Was Bradley Thompson primarily a starting pitcher or a relief pitcher?
Throughout his MLB career, Bradley Thompson served as both a relief pitcher and a starting pitcher, often categorized as a "swingman," though he made a greater number of appearances out of the bullpen.