Enter the beard: Arizona Diamondbacks fan favorite Archie Bradley is about to become the latest celebrity to make an appearance in ASU's Curtain of Distraction.
ASU's student section confirmed Bradley, who was the D-backs' best relief pitcher last season and hit an improbable triple in the D-backs' Wild Card Game win in October, will make an appearance when the undefeated, fifth-ranked Sun Devils host Vanderbilt on Sunday at noon at Wells Fargo Arena.
CONFIRMED:
We are excited to announce that @ArchieBradley7 will be making an appearance in the Curtain of Distraction at the @SunDevilHoops game Sunday vs. Vanderbilt at Noon!#BringInTheBeard pic.twitter.com/iMiZxpQqOC
— 942 Crew (@942Crew) December 15, 2017
The 942 Crew unveiled the Curtain of Distraction in 2013 as a way to distract opponents while attempting free throws in the second half of ASU's home games at Wells Fargo Arena. It has since received national attention from publications such as the New York Times.
Michael Phelps made a Curtain of Distraction appearance in January 2016, and actor Charlie Day made a recent appearance, as well.
The 25-year-old Bradley has played in three MLB seasons with the D-backs. His last season was by far his best in the majors, as he posted a 1.73 ERA in 63 games and helped Arizona make its first playoff appearance since 2011. Bradley has become a fan favorite for his fiery competitiveness, including his defense of the D-backs' home field when the rival Dodgers came to town in August.
The Sun Devils are off to a 9-0 start, their best in over 40 years, and their No. 5 national ranking is their best mark since 1981.
