Tim Dillard

Last updated • 6 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

185+13), complete games (5), and shutouts (2). [10] He also came in second in wins (12) and fifth in strikeouts (128). [10] Dillard was named to the league's postseason All-Star team in recognition of his performance. [11] He was also selected by the Brewers as their Minor League Pitcher of the Year. [12]

In 2006, while playing for the Double-A Huntsville Stars, Dillard made 25 starts and 4 relief appearances. [8] In those 29 games, he went 10–7 with a 3.26 ERA. [8] He led the Stars in wins (10), starts (25), innings pitched (163), and came in second in strikeouts (108). [13] He was also selected to participate in the midseason Southern League All-Star Game, [11] in which he pitched a scoreless inning of relief and allowed only one hit. [14]

Dillard pitching for the Nashville Sounds in 2008 using an over-the-top delivery Tim Dillard, Nashville.jpg
Dillard pitching for the Nashville Sounds in 2008 using an over-the-top delivery

Dillard reached the Triple-A level in 2007, playing for the Nashville Sounds. He went 8–4 with a 4.74 ERA in 34 games (16 starts). [8] On November 19, his contract was purchased by the Brewers, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. He was later optioned back to Nashville on March 15, 2008, where he began the season. On May 23, Dillard was called up to the majors for the first time in his career. [7] He made his major league debut that night against the Washington Nationals, [7] pitching one scoreless inning and striking out Aaron Boone. [15] He returned to Nashville in late June, but was recalled to Milwaukee that September. [16] Over 13 games with Milwaukee, he pitched 14+13 innings of relief and accumulated a 4.40 ERA with 5 strikeouts. [7] In Nashville, he went 6–1 with a 1.99 ERA and 55 strikeouts out of the bullpen. [8] He was selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League with the Mesa Solar Sox after the season. [8]

Dillard played the majority of the 2009 season with the Nashville Sounds, though he did make two relief appearances with Milwaukee in late July. [17] In 24 appearances with the Sounds, he went 11–7 with a 4.51 ERA and 64 strikeouts versus 0–1 with a 12.46 ERA and 1 strikeout with the Brewers. [8] He was designated for assignment prior to the 2010 season to make room on the Brewers' roster for Marco Estrada. He cleared waivers and was assigned to Nashville where he played the entire season. [8] During the 2010 campaign, Dillard completely overhauled his pitching delivery from a traditional over-the-top delivery to a sidearm delivery. In Nashville, he made 8 starts and 33 relief appearances, pitching to a 5–7 record with a 4.12 ERA and 82 strikeouts. [8]

Dillard pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012 using a sidearm delivery Tim Dillard on March 10, 2012.jpg
Dillard pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012 using a sidearm delivery

He received an invitation to spring training with the Brewers in 2011. Beginning the season at Nashville, Dillard was recalled by the Brewers on May 13. He was subsequently optioned to Nashville and recalled twice over the course of the season. [11] In Milwaukee, he made 24 relief appearances, going 1–1 with a 4.08 ERA and 27 strikeouts, while he made 17 relief appearances in Nashville, going 4–2 with a 3.58 ERA and 30 strikeouts. [11] He began the 2012 season with Milwaukee, but was outrighted to Nashville on July 11 after accumulating a 4.38 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 34 games out of the bullpen. [11] With a minor league ERA at nearly 10.00, he was reassigned to Double-A Huntsville in late August and elected free agency after the season. [11] Between Nashville and Huntsville, his 2012 minor league record was 1–1 with an 8.38 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17 games. [8]

Dillard signed a contract with Lancaster Barnstormers of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for 2013. [8] He pitched in six games before signing a minor league contract with the Brewers on May 4. [8] [11] He spent the rest of the season at Triple-A Nashville before again electing free agency. [11] Dillard signed with Lancaster for the 2014 season, appearing in two games, only to sign with the Brewers on May 1 and be assigned to Double-A Huntsville. [11] He was promoted to Nashville on August 23. [11] Over eight seasons with the Nashville Sounds (2007–2014), Dillard set the team's career franchise records for wins (39), innings pitched (556+23), and runs allowed (302). [18] He pitched for the Águilas del Zulia of the Venezuelan Winter League during the 2014–15 offseason. [8]

In 2014, Milwaukee had offered Dillard a coaching position, but he turned it down, asking instead for another playing contract. [19] He attended spring training with the Brewers in 2015 and was assigned to the Rookie Helena Brewers in a paper move. He bounced back and forth between Helena's roster and pitching for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox for the rest of the season in a fill-in role when other pitchers were injured. [11] [19] He chose to become a free agent after the season, but was re-signed for 2016. [11] He spent the entire 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons with Colorado Springs, each time becoming a free agent and ultimately re-signing for the next year. [11] After the 2018 campaign, however, the Brewers released him unconditionally. [19]

Texas Rangers (2019–2020)

Former Nashville teammate Chris Woodward, who had been hired as the manager of the Texas Rangers in late 2018, encouraged Rangers general manager Jon Daniels to sign Dillard so as to utilize his veteran clubhouse presence in service as a mentor to younger players. [19] On December 17, 2018, Dillard signed a minor league contract with Texas for 2019, [20] and he was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, which had since become part of the Rangers organization. [21] This arrangement allowed Dillard, who resides in Nashville, the opportunity to pitch close to his family. [22]

The Rangers informed him he would not see regular play but would be used only when absolutely necessary. [19] By the end of April, however, Dillard was added to the starting rotation, and ended the season having pitched 153+13 innings, more than any other pitcher for a single team in Minor League Baseball. [19] [23] In his second stretch with the Sounds, he set the franchise career records for games pitched (242) and strikeouts (437) while adding to his existing marks for wins (48) and innings pitched (710). [8] [18] Dillard became a free agent following the 2019 season, [24] but he was later re-signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. [25] He was assigned to Nashville for 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the minor league season. [11] [26]

With a lack of affiliated Minor League Baseball in 2020, Dillard, still under contract with Texas, was loaned to the Milwaukee Milkmen of the independent American Association on August 15. [27] The Milkmen, with Dillard in the starting rotation, [28] won the American Association championship. [29] After the conclusion of their season on September 18, he was returned to the Rangers. Dillard later elected free agency but subsequently returned to the Rangers on a minor league contract for 2021. [11] He was, however, released by the Rangers on February 25, 2021. [11]

Dillard announced his retirement from professional baseball on March 10, 2021. [30] The Nashville Sounds honored Dillard by retiring his uniform number, 17, in a ceremony at First Horizon Park on July 29, 2022. [31]

Broadcasting career

After retiring from playing in 2021, Dillard was hired to serve as the primary pregame and postgame analyst on Brewers Live telecasts as well as provide color commentary for select games on Bally Sports Wisconsin. [32] He previously appeared on Brewers pregame broadcasts in their 2018 postseason run. [22]

Personal life

Dillard is the son of former major league infielder Steve Dillard and brother of former professional baseball player Andy Dillard. [7] He resides in Nashville, Tennessee, with his family. [22] Off the field, Dillard is known for his social media videos in which he often involves teammates. [33] [34]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth McClung</span> American baseball player

Michael Seth McClung, nicknamed "Big Red", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. In his career, he pitched as a starting pitcher and as a relief pitcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zach Jackson (pitcher, born 1983)</span> American baseball player

Zachary Thomas Jackson is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankie de la Cruz</span> Dominican baseball player (1984–2021)

Eulogio "Frankie" De La Cruz Martínez was a Dominican baseball pitcher who played four seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), as well as one season each in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He played for the Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions from 2007 to 2012. He went on to play baseball in Italy and Mexico, as well as several winter leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremy Jeffress</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Jeremy Ross Jeffress is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs. Jeffress was an All-Star in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yovani Gallardo</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1986)

Yovani Gallardo is a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft out of Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth, Texas. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. Gallardo was an All-Star in 2010, and won the Silver Slugger Award for pitchers that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manny Parra</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Manuel Alex Parra is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds.

The 1985 New York Mets season was the 24th regular season for the Mets. They went 98–64 and finished second in the National League East; the team stayed in contention to win the division title until the last week of the season. They were managed by Davey Johnson. They played their home games at Shea Stadium.

The Texas Rangers 1984 season involved the Rangers' finishing seventh in the American League West, with a record of 69 wins and 92 losses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Kyles</span> American baseball player and coach

Stan Kyles is a former minor league baseball pitcher, who served as the bullpen coach for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Below is a partial list of minor league baseball players in the Milwaukee Brewers system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Lindblom</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Joshua William Lindblom is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers and in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants and Doosan Bears.

The Milwaukee Brewers' 2011 season was their 42nd season for the franchise in Milwaukee, the 14th in the National League, and 43rd overall. The Brewers posted a franchise-best record of 96–66, winning their first-ever National League Central title. The Brewers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games in the NLDS and advanced to the NLCS, where they lost in six games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor Jungmann</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Taylor Heath Jungmann is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers and for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Prior to playing professionally, Jungmann played college baseball for the Texas Longhorns, where he was a consensus All-American and won the Dick Howser Trophy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Henderson (baseball)</span> Canadian baseball player (born 1982)

James Duffy Henderson is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher who is the assistant pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Claudio</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1992)

Alexander Claudio is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets. Claudio pitches in an unorthodox sidearm manner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zack Godley</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Zachary Thomas Godley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connor Sadzeck</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Connor William Sadzeck is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Aaron Phillip Ashby is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Brewers chose Ashby in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethan Small</span> American baseball player (born 1997)

Ethan Robert Small is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Justin Robert Topa is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners. Topa was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2013 MLB draft.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Dillard Catches on as Pitcher". Minor League Baseball. August 13, 2005. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  2. "15th Round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  3. Batterson, Steve (June 14, 2008). "Q-C Manager Dillard Proud of Son Who Pitches for Brewers". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Tim Dillard". Itawamba Community College Athletics. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  5. "Athletic Hall of Fame". Itawamba Community College Athletics. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  6. "34th Round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Tim Dillard Stats". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Tim Dillard Minor, Fall, Independent & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  9. "2004 Beloit Snappers Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  10. 1 2 "2005 Florida State Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Tim Dillard Stats, Highlights, Bio". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  12. "Cruz Named Brewers' MiLB POY". Minor League Baseball. September 22, 2005. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  13. "2006 Huntsville Stars Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  14. "Monday's All-Star Box Score". The Montgomery Advertiser. Montgomery. July 11, 2006. p. 2D via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals Box Score, May 23, 2008". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  16. "Tim Dillard 2008 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  17. "Tim Dillard 2009 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  18. 1 2 "Top Ten Career Leaders". Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Blum, Sam (February 25, 2020). "How Tim Dillard Found Peace as Rangers' Minor League 'Mentor' Without Giving up His Major League Dreams". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  20. "Rangers Sign Pitchers Matt Bush, Zac Curtis, and Tim Dillard, Along with Infielder Chase d'Arnaud, to Minor League Contracts". Major League Baseball. December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  21. Boclair, David (March 27, 2019). "A One-Time Mainstay Returns to Sounds' Roster". Nashville Post. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  22. 1 2 3 Haudricourt, Tom (December 17, 2018). "Tim Dillard, Who Became Cult Hero to Brewers Fans on and off the Field, Signs with Texas". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  23. "2019 Register Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  24. Eddy, Matt (November 7, 2019). "Minor League Free Agents 2019". Baseball America . Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  25. Adler, David (December 16, 2019). "Texas Inks Joely Rodriguez to 2-Year Contract". Major League Baseball. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  26. "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  27. Tarnoff, Andy (August 21, 2020). "Brewers Fans Rejoice: Tim Dillard is Back - With the Milwaukee Milkmen". OnMilwaukee. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  28. "American Association Stats". American Association. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  29. "Milkmen Win American Association Championship". American Association. September 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  30. Adams, Steve (March 10, 2021). "Tim Dillard Announces Retirement". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  31. "Sounds to Retire Tim Dillard's Number 17 in Pregame Ceremony July 29". Nashville Sounds. Minor League Baseball. July 19, 2022. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  32. Rosiak, Todd (March 18, 2021). "Here Are Some New Faces You'll See on the Brewers' TV Broadcast Crew This Season". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  33. "A Chat With The Master Dubsmasher". Colorado Springs Sky Sox Official Team Blog. April 27, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  34. "#FreeDilly: Why Did Twitter Duspend Nashville Sounds' Tim Dillard's Account?". The Tennessean. Nashville. May 14, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
Tim Dillard
Tim Dillard (48217926561) (cropped).jpg
Dillard with the Nashville Sounds in 2019
Pitcher
Born: (1983-07-19) July 19, 1983 (age 41)
Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 23, 2008, for the Milwaukee Brewers
Last MLB appearance
July 7, 2012, for the Milwaukee Brewers