Kudos to the AJC’s Mark Bradley, who snags one more honor on his way out the door

He gave readers his thoughts from just about all of the most notable Atlanta and Georgia sporting moments over that time, including Sid Bream’s slide in 1992, the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Falcons’ first NFC title in the 1998 season, their Super Bowl collapse in February 2017 and the Braves’ World Series championships in 1995 and 2021. (From a short conversation with Mark on Tuesday, I learned that he also once opined on the Atlanta Fire Ants, a long-ago roller hockey team.)

It is Mark’s second such recognition, the first having been awarded in 1989. He also was a 2015 inductee into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame. He was named the country’s best columnist in the highest circulation category by The Associated Press sports editors in 1985 and was a top-10 selection multiple times. That’s a long run of standout work. This last honor is a fitting pat on the back as he exits.

“I was shocked, for obvious reasons,” Mark told me Tuesday. “I never really counted on winning, but I’m flattered and honored and surprised and gratified.”

He’d never say it, but I would add deserving. His columns were thoughtful and easy reads. You might not agree with him, but his opinions were well-articulated. His recall of events and conversations from decades ago was astounding. He was not afraid to speak his mind, but he didn’t go over the top. He had a keen understanding of what was on the mind of Atlanta sports fans. He wrote frequently and quickly. I always appreciated the occasional references to his childhood in Kentucky.

“He has had an uncanny ability to put things in context,” said Chris Vivlamore, an AJC editor and writer for the past 22 years and the sports editor for the past five. “That’s what I believe readers have always wanted.”

In short, he was a great columnist. Chris, who also retired at the end of December and also deserves recognition for his dedicated leadership of the AJC sports department, added one more significant note of appreciation.

“As long as I’ve been here, I’ve always considered Mark Bradley the finest columnist at the AJC.”

Personally speaking, I’m grateful to have been his colleague. Particularly in my younger days, the respect he offered to me as a fellow AJC staffer helped make me feel like I belonged. During my time covering Georgia Tech, we shared many afternoons and evenings in the Bobby Dodd Stadium press box and at ACC basketball tournaments, where his wry and offbeat sense of humor always made me laugh.

When I was offered the opportunity to become a columnist a couple of years ago, he was one of the first people I reached out to for feedback. His confidence in me helped convince me to take that leap.

My brief time in this new role has only deepened my appreciation for what he did for four decades. He made it look really easy.

I should note here that Mark and Chris aren’t the only ones who have retired or will retire soon as part of a companywide voluntary retirement program. Our excellent UGA beat writer Chip Towers also retired and assistant sports editor Leo Willingham and night editor Mike Luck will work their final shifts at the end of March. They have all been superior in their work, and I’m thankful for their friendship, though selfishly I hate to see them go.

In the wake of their departures, it’s my understanding that we will continue to put out the sports section every day. I take pride in the work that the staff continues to do and look forward to seeing what stories are out there for us to uncover and write.

And we have Mark’s high standards to pursue, a most worthy star to reach for.

Bravo.