Brad Lesley died over the weekend:
Brad Lesley — who played a few years of Major League Baseball before appearing in a slew of ’90s sports movies — passed away this weekend. He was 54.
Lesley’s ex-wife, Chiho Svimonoff, tells TMZ … Lesley had been suffering from kidney problems and had been living in a nursing home for the past seven months, where he was receiving dialysis.
His baseball career was brief, but he shone in his rookie year, recording a 2.58 ERA and finishing 19 games.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Lesley spent two very colorful years in Japan with the Hankyu Braves in 1986 and 1987.
NPB Card Guy » Cool.
So sad.Brad and I were buddies in Turlock,CA from around 4th grade through our college years.Unfortunately,lost track of him over the years.Rest in peace,buddy.
Did a tribute to him over at my blog.
Brad Lesley was a joy to watch in his two years in Japan. His enthusiasm on the mound was infectious and the fans loved him. He didn’t play long here (2 years) but he will always be fondly remembered.