Las Cruces unveils “Jim Bradley Championship Way” to honor late coach

The City of Las Cruces honored the legacy of an esteemed football coach Tuesday, unveiling “Coach Jim Bradley Championship Way.”

Tuesday’s designation was in memory of the late Jim Bradley.

Bradley, born and raised in Las Cruces, and graduated from Las Cruces High School and New Mexico State University.

He served in the U.S. Army, and helped with various projects throughout the city, including the building of the Apodaca Baseball Complex.

Bradley began a Little League Football organization in Las Cruces and coached American Legion Baseball. He was also influential in the creation of the Aggie Memorial Stadium and the Field of Dreams, close to where his designation now stands tall.

A portion of Tashiro Drive was dedicated to the New Mexico football coach as many gathered for the unveiling early Tuesday morning.

Bradley’s wife, Phylis Bradley, said the sign means so much to the late coach’s family and friends.

“It’s just going to be so memorable, and heart-pounding, to look up and see those signs, and look up and say, ‘Hi, Jim, we all love you,'” Phylis Bradley said.

Michael Bradley, Jim Bradley’s son and Mayfield High School’s currentfootball coach, said the designation is well-deserved.

“He had such an impact on so many people’s lives in this town and beyond, it’s incredible. And so, I don’t think they can do enough, or we can do enough, in this town to celebrate it,” Bradley said.

Jim Bradley died in August 2015 at the age of 82. A little over a year later, the City of Las Cruces proclaimed September 21, 2016 as “Jim Bradley Day.”

Coach Bradley’s Record

High School: 310 wins 88 losses, 9 ties 2nd winningest coach in New Mexico history NMSU 23 wins, 31 losses, 1 tie 4th winningest coach in NMSU history

His wife thanked those in attendance for their help in honoring Coach Bradley.

Tearfully, she looked up to the sky with her arms raised and addressed her late husband directly.

“We love you, Coach Bradley,” she said.