Don't look now, but Christian Yelich is cooking for the Milwaukee Brewers this season. The 34-year-old outfielder may have lost a touch in the athleticism department, but his ability to track the ball and make hard contact looks as potent as ever. Despite missing half the season thus far between a groin strain, veteran rest days, and some occasional back soreness, Yeli ranks top in the top seven on the team in total runs, home runs, hits and RBI.
In 13 games since returning officially in mid-May, Yelich has 14 hits for eight RBI and 11 runs with three massive home runs in the mix. In the last week, he has had three games with multiple hits and logged at least a single in five of his last seven outings.
Needless to say, Yelich is rounding into form at the right time for the Brewers. Having their veteran franchise star back in his winning ways is the significant boost the team needs to maintain its lead in the NL Central. Although he's more of a designated hitter these days, the value Yelich offers to this lineup is oftentimes the difference-maker in tight games.
Christian Yelich is the graceful veteran leader the Brewers need to ground this young core.
Now in his 14th season in the majors, Yelich has more experience in his fingertips than most of the Brewers' batting rotation has in their professional lives. While many of his teammates are still adjusting to the highest level of the game, he's been the anchor of Milwaukee's ballclub for nearly a decade. Although he's no longer the most important bat on the team, his value remains much more than what meets the eye.
Every great team should have a savvy veteran who leads by example. All too often, the unforced error of a young team lies in its sole reliance on a rising talent. What makes the Milwaukee Brewers so special this season, and for the last several, is their ability to integrate young talent into a veteran lineup. Whether it comes from within himself or through conversations with manager Pat Murphy, it's clear that Yelich understands the importance of being that leader for this team.
When Abner Uribe was suspended for clapping back at the St. Louis Cardinals' dugout, some pundits questioned whether Milwaukee had the right kind of veteran leaders in the locker room. Yelich put that argument to bed the next day, when he came out in support of his teammate while putting the saga to rest and focusing on the next game.
Yelich means far more to Milwaukee than people outside of the city realize. He's become deeply ingrained in the community, giving back and building bonds that won't easily be forgotten. Not everyone understands how to age gracefully in professional sports, but in spite of his injury woes along the way, that's never been a problem for Yeli. Let's hope that in return, the Brewers can get the 3x Silver Slugger a World Series title to cap his legendary career.
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