Tim Dillard – Milwaukee Brewers: Former Relief Pitcher Reflects on His Career in Baseball
Tim Dillard’s journey with the Milwaukee Brewers spans nearly two decades, reflecting a remarkable commitment to one organization. The right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2008 and appeared in 74 games as a reliever across four seasons in the big leagues. Dillard’s lasting impact on the Brewers organization extends well beyond his 4.70 career ERA.
While his major league statistics might not stand out in baseball history, Dillard’s lasting impact on the Brewers organization extends well beyond his 4.70 career ERA.
Drafted in the 34th round of the 2002 MLB Draft, Dillard turned a late-round selection into an 18-year professional career. Born in Sarasota, Florida on July 19, 1983, the Itawamba Community College product has transformed from occasional baseball player into a beloved figure among Brewers fans. His personality and presence have made him a fan favorite, with his social media following growing as he transitioned into broadcasting after his playing days.
Dillard’s connection with Wisconsin continues to strengthen, as his Instagram account hints at a move from Tennessee to Wisconsin in 2025. This relocation suggests his bond with the Brewers organization and fanbase remains strong, even years after his final MLB appearance in 2012.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tim Dillard’s roots trace back to Mississippi, where his baseball journey began. His formative years shaped his path to becoming a professional pitcher with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Saltillo High School
Dillard grew up in Saltillo, Mississippi, where he developed his pitching skills at Saltillo High School. The small-town environment provided the perfect backdrop for his budding baseball career.
His high school years showcased his natural talent on the mound. Coaches noted his distinctive sidearm delivery style early on—a technique that would later become his trademark in professional baseball.
Dillard’s performance at Saltillo caught the attention of college scouts and professional teams alike. His fastball velocity and control improved steadily throughout his high school career.
Baseball wasn’t just a sport for Dillard—it was family tradition. His father, Steve Dillard, played eight seasons in Major League Baseball, providing Tim with valuable insights into the professional game.
Itawamba Community College
After high school, Dillard chose to attend Itawamba Community College in Mississippi. This decision proved pivotal in his development as a pitcher.
At ICC, Dillard refined his pitching mechanics and expanded his repertoire. His performances on the mound attracted significant attention from scouts.
The Milwaukee Brewers organization noticed Dillard’s potential early. They selected him in the 15th round of the 2001 MLB Draft, though he initially chose to continue his college career.
Dillard’s time at Itawamba built the foundation for his professional career. By 2002, the Brewers drafted him again—this time in the 34th round as the 1009th overall pick. This time, he signed with the organization.
His college statistics showed remarkable improvement from his freshman to sophomore year:
| Season | ERA | Strikeouts | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3.45 | 58 | 65.2 |
| 2002 | 2.91 | 76 | 71.3 |
Professional Career
Tim Dillard’s baseball journey spans nearly two decades, beginning with his selection by the Milwaukee Brewers organization where he would spend the majority of his career before a brief stint with the Rangers and ultimately transitioning to broadcasting.
Draft and Minor Leagues
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Dillard in the 34th round of the 2002 MLB Draft, making him the 1009th overall pick. After attending Itawamba Community College, Dillard began his professional journey in 2003 at the Rookie Level.
His minor league development wasn’t meteoric but rather a testament to persistence. Dillard spent several years working his way through the Brewers’ farm system, refining his pitching approach.
What made Dillard stand out was his adaptability. Initially a traditional right-handed pitcher, he later developed a sidearm delivery that would become his trademark. This adjustment helped extend his career and provided more versatility to his game.
During his time in the minors, Dillard became known for his clubhouse presence and sense of humor, characteristics that would later serve him well in his broadcasting career.
Milwaukee Brewers
Dillard made his major league debut on May 23, 2008, finally reaching the highest level after six years in the minors. His time with the Brewers was spread across multiple seasons rather than continuous service.
He appeared for the Brewers in four separate seasons: 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. This pattern of movement between the majors and minors became a defining aspect of his career.
Dillard’s MLB Stats with Brewers:
| Years | Games | W-L | ERA | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-2012 | 73 | 1-4 | 4.70 | 104.1 | 67 |
While never securing a permanent spot in the Milwaukee bullpen, Dillard became a valuable organizational piece. His versatility and willingness to move between roles made him an asset for depth.
Dillard’s most productive MLB season came in 2011 when he made 24 appearances with a respectable 4.08 ERA.
Texas Rangers and Return to Brewers
After parting ways with Milwaukee following the 2012 season, Dillard’s career took several turns. He spent time in the minor leagues with different organizations, continuing to refine his craft.
In 2019, Dillard joined the Texas Rangers organization, marking one of the few times in his professional career that he wasn’t associated with the Brewers. This change came after 16 years with Milwaukee’s organization.
His stint with the Rangers was brief, lasting through the 2019-2020 seasons. While he didn’t make it to the major league level with Texas, Dillard continued to provide value as a veteran presence in their minor league system.
Eventually, Dillard returned to the Brewers organization, bringing his career full circle. The relationship between player and team had become something special over nearly two decades.
Transition to Broadcasting
After concluding his 18-year playing career, Dillard made a smooth transition to broadcasting. His natural charisma and deep knowledge of the game made this shift seem almost inevitable.
Dillard became a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers, the organization where he spent the vast majority of his career. This role allowed him to remain connected to the game and the team that had been his professional home.
What makes Dillard unique as a broadcaster is his insider perspective combined with an approachable, humorous delivery style. His years in clubhouses give him insights that many analysts lack.
His social media presence and willingness to poke fun at himself has endeared him to fans. The same personality that made him a clubhouse favorite has translated well to his broadcasting career.
Pitching Style and Performance
Tim Dillard’s career on the mound featured a distinctive sidearm delivery that set him apart in the Brewers organization. His unique mechanics and pitch arsenal made him a notable presence whether at the major league level or as a veteran presence in the minors.
ERA and WHIP
Dillard’s major league numbers tell the story of a pitcher who served primarily in a relief role during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. During his big league stints, he posted a career ERA of 4.70 across 73 appearances. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) settled at 1.47, reflecting the challenges he sometimes faced with baserunners.
In the minors, particularly with the Nashville Sounds, Dillard demonstrated more consistency. His longevity with the organization allowed him to set franchise records, showing his reliability at the Triple-A level. During his best seasons in Nashville, he maintained ERAs below 4.00.
The right-hander’s performance fluctuated throughout his career, with his 2011 and 2012 seasons with Milwaukee representing his most extensive big league action.
Strikeouts and Walks
Dillard’s [strikeout prowess](https://www.milb.com/nashville/video/dillard-sets-sounds-record-c
Off-Field Endeavors
Tim Dillard has built a unique reputation beyond the baseball diamond, becoming a fan favorite through his creative online presence and meaningful community work in Milwaukee.
Social Media Presence
Dillard has carved out an impressive cult following through his social media activities. His Twitter account became a must-follow for Brewers fans, showcasing his quirky personality and baseball insights.
The right-handed reliever gained particular notoriety through Dubsmash, where his spot-on impressions and comedic videos regularly went viral among baseball circles. His impersonations of broadcasters, movie scenes, and fellow players displayed a creative side rarely seen in professional athletes.
Instagram became another platform where Dillard connected with fans, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of minor league life during his 16 seasons with the Brewers organization.
What sets Dillard apart is his authenticity – using humor to bridge the gap between players and fans while never taking himself too seriously. This approach helped him maintain relevance even when his on-field opportunities were limited.
Community Involvement
Dillard embraced Milwaukee as his home during his long tenure with the Brewers organization. His community work earned him respect beyond his pitching statistics.
He regularly participated in the Brewers’ community initiatives, visiting schools and hospitals throughout Wisconsin. Children particularly connected with his approachable demeanor and genuine interest in brightening their day.
Even after signing with the Texas Rangers in late 2018, Dillard maintained ties to Milwaukee charities. His annual baseball camps provided affordable instruction while emphasizing both skills and enjoyment of the game.
The pitcher’s willingness to appear at fan events, often incorporating his trademark humor, cemented his status as one of the organization’s most beloved personalities despite spending much of his career at the minor league level.
Personal Life
Beyond the baseball diamond, Tim Dillard has built a life centered around family values and his strong faith, balancing his professional career with his role as a husband and father.
Family and Relationships
Tim Dillard comes from a baseball family. He is the son of former major league infielder Steve Dillard and has a brother, Andy Dillard, who also played professional baseball. This family connection to America’s pastime clearly influenced Tim’s career path.
In his personal life, Dillard is a devoted family man. He is married to Erin, and together they have three children: Brooks, Camryn, and a third child. According to MiLB.com, as of a previous report, Brooks was 8 years old and Camryn was 6½ years old (and apparently quite particular about that half year being acknowledged).
Dillard describes himself as a “Christian • Husband • Father” in his social media profiles, indicating the importance of faith and family in his life. His Instagram profile and X (formerly Twitter) account both highlight these roles ahead of his baseball credentials.
The Dillard family has connections to both Tennessee and Wisconsin, with a recent Instagram post suggesting a move from TN to WI planned for 2025.
Legacy and Impact
Tim Dillard’s influence extends far beyond his pitching stats. His unique personality and lengthy tenure with the Brewers organization has left an indelible mark on the team and its fanbase that continues well after his active playing days.
Cult Following
Dillard developed an impressive cult following throughout his 18-year career. He spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. His appeal wasn’t primarily about his on-field performance, but his authentic personality and humor.
Social media became Dillard’s playground. His comedic impressions and behind-the-scenes videos garnered thousands of followers. His self-deprecating humor and willingness to poke fun at baseball culture resonated with fans seeking authentic player interactions.
Even after transitioning to broadcasting, Dillard’s popularity hasn’t waned. His relatability and genuine approach to fan engagement created a blueprint for how modern players can connect with audiences beyond traditional media channels.
Influence on Team Dynamics
In the clubhouse, Dillard served as the unofficial morale officer during his 16 seasons with the Brewers organization. Veterans and rookies alike appreciated his ability to lighten tense moments while maintaining professional standards.
His longevity provided crucial organizational continuity. As a player who was twice drafted by Milwaukee, Dillard embodied the team’s values across multiple managerial regimes and roster overhauls.
Dillard’s Career with Brewers:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| MLB Games | 74 |
| MLB Seasons | 4 |
| Years in Organization | 16 |
| Role | Reliever |
Though never a superstar, Dillard’s willingness to shuttle between Triple-A and the majors without complaint set a powerful example of organizational commitment that younger players emulated.
