Hank Waddles, a teacher at Lindbergh Middle School in Long Beach and contributing author to Only Baseball Matters, recently wrote about his experience with scorned Dodgers’ outfielder Milton Bradley and the new Milton Bradley Baseball Academy. Waddles’ recap of the day’s events reveals a much different person than Bradley’s hot-tempered reputation would portend.

Throughout the entire event, I was impressed by how personable he was. It would’ve been easy for him to just say hello, stand next to us for a picture, and then get on with his pre-game preparations. I certainly wouldn’t have felt slighted at all. But instead he went above and beyond to make us feel special; it’s something I’ll never forget.

Waddles’ article includes a full transcript of Bradley’s speech to the students, an exceptionally touching and honest message from an obviously introspective man.

You’re at an age right now, you can go any direction you want right now. So think about that from today forth, what you want to do with your life. Because this is the easy part. You just get up, you take the bus or you get dropped off at school, you walk, and you’re here. This is your job for right now. You just get your work done, and everyday’s easy. You don’t have to worry about bills, you don’t have to worry about providing a roof, you don’t have to worry about providing for a family, so take advantage of that. Learn all you can; knowledge is power. You can be your own boss, you don’t have to work for anybody. So just take heed to that, and thank you for listening, and thank you for being here.

There are also photos of the event taken by Waddles and a front page article in the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Bradley certainly has had difficulty controlling his anger on the baseball diamond, but he seems like a much different person than the high-and-mighty media pundits would like you to believe.