Bradley's baseball career spanned almost 30 years. He spent the last 10 with the Chicago White Sox, including the last year as a special assistant to general manager Kenny Williams.

``This is one of the most special people I ever met in my life,'' said Duane Shaffer, Chicago's senior director of scouting.

``He affected so many peoples lives. You meet very, very few quality people in your lifetime and he was one of the most quality people I've ever met.''

Bradley died in Tampa Bay, Fla., where he lived with his parents.

Bradley's baseball career began in 1972, when he went to work for the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1981, he went to the Detroit Tigers, where Shaffer said he was the director of scouting.

He worked for the California Angels from 1986-88 before going to the New York Yankees. He was made the Yankees vice president of baseball operations in August 1990 - above general manager Gene Michael - but was fired in February 1991.

The White Sox hired him as their national crosschecker in September 1991. He held a variety of positions with the team before going to work for Williams.

``He was the glue, so to speak, of the whole thing,'' Shaffer said. ``He was tremendous. People could call him all the time. He was the sounding board for everybody.''

Bradley also worked for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL.

While Bradley had diabetes and other health problems, Shaffer said he'd never had any heart trouble. And when Shaffer talked with Bradley on Thursday, there were no indications anything was wrong.

``I was talking to him about coming to Chicago about watching our major league club for five days,'' Shaffer said. ``He was so excited. He said, `I can't wait to see you.'''

Bradley is survived by his parents, and a sister. Services are pending.