Brad Pye Jr.

Brad Pye Jr. (June 11, 1931 – July 5, 2020) was an American sports journalist, broadcaster, and Los Angeles community activist. He was the first recognized African-American sportswriter in Southern California and the first African-American scout for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. He was the sports director for several African-American radio stations and sportswriter for several local newspapers in the state. He was noted for utilizing his position to advocate equality for and recognition of African-American athletes and journalists.

Early life Pye was born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, on June 11, 1931. At the age of 12 he moved to Los Angeles by himself. He lived on Central Avenue on his own for four years, until his mother joined him. He went on to study at Jefferson High School, East Los Angeles College, Compton College, and California State University, Los Angeles.

Career Pye served as sports director for major African-American radio stations KGFJ, KACE, KDAY, and KJLH, and was sports editor for the Los Angeles Sentinel for nearly 30 years.

In 1961, Pye became the first African-American public relations staffer in Major League Baseball while working for the Los Angeles Angels.

In addition to his work in sports journalism, Pye was active in the Government of Los Angeles County and led a 24-year career working in multiple capacities. In 1987 he began working as a deputy under county supervisor Kenneth Hahn and was promoted to assistant chief deputy three months later. He worked as a top deputy to Yvonne Brathwaite Burke after she succeeded Hahn as county supervisor in 1992.

In 1993, Pye became division chief of the Department of Children and Family Services and worked as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator and manager of the Disaster Services Section, the Exams/Recruitment Section, and the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section.

Personal life and death Pye was married to Eunice Prye. Together, they had four daughters (Jill, Jenice, Jan, and Sharee) and one son (Brad III). Both his wife and son predeceased him. at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old.