When we partnered with Hofstra University to cover the New York Baseball Academy in 2017, the idea came up to present an Axcess Player of the Week Award to the top performing individual at each of the six weeks of the camp.
The motivation behind the award was simple – pick the most talented individual that performed exceptionally well over the week. When the coaches were surveyed, there was a consensus No. 1 – T.J. Bradford.
At the time, T.J. was just 10-years-old, but he was clearly deserving of the award. His stats match up to the eye test. Over the past three seasons, he has amassed a nearly unfathomable 108 home runs while playing on the small fields. When he was 11, he played 115 games and batted .581 with 116 runs scored 171 RBI over 291 at bats.
The Hewlett naive is now in 8th grade, and was going to be given the opportunity to play varsity as a 7th grader. He has an insatiable desire to be great- which he documents on his YouTube reality series. He often wakes up and hits at 6:35am before school. He has exceptional genes, as his father, Terence, was a running back at Middlebury College in the early 90s.
Bradford plays for numerous travel teams and has played in Texas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Kentucky over the past couple years – constantly challenging himself to become the best version of himself.
His father has expressed a desire to send him to one of the schools in the NSCHSAA – which consists of St. Anthony’s, St. Dominic’s, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, Chaminade and Kellenberg. They are still deciding on which one to attend.
In the meantime, he’ll continue to work hard on and off the field. His father made sure to emphasize that school work is a priority and he maintains a 98 average this year.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people that have had a positive effect on your baseball career?
There are many people who’ve had a positive effect on my baseball career so far. My parents are definitely at the top of the list. They have always had my best interest at heart. They push me to be the best in whatever I do, whether it’s baseball, basketball, or school. I’ve also had some great coaches. Right now my coaches, Kerry McAllister and Natty Brown, have also been positive influences. Lastly, Coach Rademex Velasquez started coaching me when I was 7 and was always been there for me and has helped me a lot.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in the M.L.B are Javier Baez, Francisco Lindor, and Fernando Tatis Jr. I enjoy watching them play because they are shortstops, just like me, and they bring a lot of energy and excitement to the game. They make it fun to watch.
What’s been the best memory of your playing career?
My best memory on the baseball field has definitely been my first home run. It was against a team from Canada, and it helped my team win the game and the tournament.
What was it like playing during the pandemic? How did you stay sharp during quarantine?
Playing through the pandemic wasn’t that weird. However, it was annoying that we had to put a delay to the beginning of the season. My father and I got impatient, so we started traveling down south to Florida and Georgia so that I could play games in early June. Prior to this however, my whole family helped to build a batting cage in my backyard so that I could hit and be ready when the season started.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I’ve been blessed to work with a number of quality private instructors including Brian Anderson, Willie Ortonez, Reid Gorecki, Mel Wearing, Ryan Roman.
What do you plan on working on this off-season?
This off-season I’m going to work on identifying and hitting different pitches. Also as I transition to the 60/90 field I want to be stronger and faster than ever. So my off season will be laser focused on improving on these things.
What are your goals for the 2021 season?
Some goals I have are to improve my hands and footwork from a fielding aspect. With hitting, I just want to stay consistent, working on identifying different pitches and making adjustments to hit them. But most importantly I want to make sure I help my team win in anyway they need me to.
Who are some teammates you’ve become close with?
I’m close with most of my teammates. However, I’ve grown the closest with the other middle infielder on my team, Myles Monell, and third baseman, Kaleb Traylor.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best trip I’ve ever been on was last July when I went to Atlanta for the PG World Series and then flew from there to California for the USA Tryouts.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Favorite meal?
Chicken
Favorite musical artists?
Lil Tjay and Pop Smoke
Dream Car?
Rolls Royce Wraith
Any superstitions?
Don’t step on the infield dirt before the game.
