Brewers Radio Network

Brewers Radio Network

When I went inside the clubhouse Friday afternooon Brewers, a new t-shirt caught my eye. John Axford and Tim Dillard, who both lockers by the entrance doors, raised t-shirts with an interesting message.

First a little background.

The seven guys in the bullpen are extremely close. Now, parts are often interchangeable moves list are a large part of the company. However, the seven men in the bullpen, regardless of their age or the MLB service time are tight. 

I am sure this is quite common throughout the big leagues, but from a Brewers perspective, much of this traces back to Trevor Hoffman.  When Trevor was in Milwaukee, he ran the show...period.  His Hall of Fame resume gave him plenty of political clout.

On a daily basis, regardless if the team was at home or on the road, the 7-men in the bullpen worked out together constantly.  And by "working out", I don't mean just running on the treadmill or riding an exercise bike. 

They would go on lengthy runs around Miller Park.Once back at the ballpark they focus on their core muscles for another 30 minutes. I used to get a kick to watch some of the young guys try the "Trevor" workout for the first time. They all survived, but it was not easy.

However, as difficult as the workouts were, none of the players regarded them as a chore. They thrived on the challenge, but more importantly, they have thrived on the time spent together. And that ultimate goal was to Trevor.

While Trevor no longer one active player, its workouts continue.  Each reliever is assigned a day where he picks the workout.  Fridays, for example, is Axford's day.

Anyway, let's get back to the t-shirts.  They're dark blue with bright gold lettering on the front and back.  

On the front, it reads "brotherhood."

On the back, you'll find the player's number.  However, instead of the player's last name on top of the number it reads...."carpe diem."  Carpe Diem is pulled from the Latin poem by Horace, which roughly translates to "seize the day."