Tim Dillard, former Brewers pitcher, occasional OnMilwaukee contributor, social media bon vivant and all around funny guy, is heading back to Milwaukee Friday. This time, the Nashville Sounds reliever isn’t playing baseball – he’s coming here to unveil a new beer brewed in his honor.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a meet and greet at the Broken Bat Brewing Company at 231 E. Buffalo St. Then, Dillard will participate in a Q&A from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We caught up with the 17-year pitching veteran to learn more about his second go-around with Broken Bat, life in the Rangers organization and his mysterious Twitter ban.
OnMilwaukee: How did you get hooked up with Broken Bat Brewing Company?
Tim Dillard: I was actually introduced to the Broken Bat Brewery guys by a mutual bobblehead. That’s right ... Phil and Brad who founded the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum (located in the Third Ward) were the ones that so serendipitously introduced me. And as a pitcher ... as soon as I heard the name "Broken Bat" I knew it was home.
What role did you have in creating these two beers?
Not much ... the Broken Bat brewers Dan and Tim are the real miracle workers! They entrusted me with naming the beers and writing the description on the side of the cans. And of course asked what things that I liked most about beer ... that’s why these two brews pack a punch!
What’s the plan for Sept. 27?
The plan is to enjoy some handsome beer while fellowshipping with friends new and old! And share stories of life, baseball, beards, and the pursuit of jubilance! Last year they put me behind the bar and gave me a microphone. I beatboxed for three hours. And by beatboxed I really mean that I just talked about myself incessantly.
How was your season with the Sounds?
This past season was fantastic! I live in Nashville, so I was able to see way more of my family than the last several years. And I truly had a wonderful mix of teammates who not only played hard but also had fun! It was because of them bringing their best every single day that I was able to literally pitch the most innings in ALL of Minor League Baseball!
Did you really get banned from Twitter? Why?
Yep. No comment.
Just kidding! Pretty sure it was from severe "copyright infringement." Apparently I’m not Eminem, Mariah Carey or the Imagine Dragons. Who knew, right? Basically Twitter suspended my @DimTillard account indefinitely and demanded that I not create another one. My new twitter account is @DimothyTillard.
Why is it important for you to continue to connect with Milwaukee fans?
Desperation! Ha ha. No, I’m very fortunate that a career Minor Leaguer like myself has been accepted by this amazing community! And I wouldn’t necessarily use the word fan, either because it implies a sort of informalness. When in reality, I’ve been able to meet and stay connected with so many Wisconsinites over social media, and that has produced real friendships!
Andy is the president, publisher and founder of OnMilwaukee. He returned to Milwaukee in 1996 after living on the East Coast for nine years, where he wrote for The Dallas Morning News Washington Bureau and worked in the White House Office of Communications. He was also Associate Editor of The GW Hatchet, his college newspaper at The George Washington University.
Before launching OnMilwaukee.com in 1998 at age 23, he worked in public relations for two Milwaukee firms, most of the time daydreaming about starting his own publication.
Hobbies include running when he finds the time, fixing the rust on his '75 MGB, mowing the lawn at his cottage in the Northwoods, and making an annual pilgrimage to Phoenix for Brewers Spring Training.
