Former Gamecock Jackie Bradley Jr. Makes Red Sox

Former USC star Jackie Bradley, Jr. will make his major league debut tomorrow with the Boston Red Sox. 

The 22-year-old outfielder made the team coming out of spring training and will play left field when the Bosox begin their season against the arch-rival Yankees on Monday afternoon.

Bradley led USC to back-to-back College World Series titles in 2010 and 2011, being named Most Outstanding Player in 2010. He was subsequently drafted 40th overall by Boston in 2011. 

He rose quickly through the minor leagues, batting .315 last year, with a .430 on base percentage. He also scored 90 runs and stole 24 bases.

Bradley was expected to compete for a roster spot this spring but seemed destined for at least some time with the Red Sox AAA team in Pawtucket, RI.

However, Bradley gave Red Sox manager John Farrell little choice but to take him north by batting .419 this spring and accelerate the start to his major league career.

Left field is a revered position in Boston as three Hall of Famers have made it their home — Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice.

Bradley told ESPN: "I'm pretty excited. I think it really hasn't hit me yet, until my name is called and then I'm pretty sure I'll go numb a little bit. It's great, it's an honor and I can't wait."

Bradley is just the latest player with Palmetto State ties to make the big leagues. Matt Wieters of Goose Creek has been a staple in Baltimore for several years, and Bradley's fellow Gamecocks Justin Smoak and Steve Pearce will be in Seattle and Baltimore, respectively.