American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition, Robert Pannier looks at how Nate Hadley’s return to the Milwaukee Milkmen should squelch any hopes opponents have of rallying against the team.

Like Death and Taxes

The Milwaukee Milkmen have only been in the American Association for four seasons. It has been an impressive four seasons, however, as the club has reached the playoffs in each of the last three years, won a championship, and finished as the runner-up last year. They have definitely built an organization that has become a model for new clubs throughout Partner League Baseball (PLB).

One of the keys for this club has been that they have always had a dominant closer. It is not just a pitcher at the back end with big save numbers, but a closer who has absolutely shut down opponents, posting great statistics that have made them some of the best in the American Association. It is something that fans of the league have come to expect out of the franchise.

Once Upon a Time…

The success began in the very first season for Milwaukee when right-hander Myles Smith was the closer. Smith finished with 17 saves that season, fifth most in the league. That was for a club that won just 38 games. Smith was spectacular, posting a 2.20 ERA while allowing 33 hits and 11 walks in 41.0 innings pitched. He struck out 61 in that span, making him the most sought after reliever at the trade deadline.

The next year Smith moved into the set of role, but Milwaukee had an answer as they brought in Peyton Gray to take over the closer’s duties. He saved 14 games for the American Association champions, third most in the league. That was quite impressive, but his numbers were absolutely staggering, allowing just 10 hits and 14 walks in 32.0 innings pitched, while striking out 56. Gray did not allow a run during the regular season, setting a league record for appearances without giving up a run of any kind.

In 2021, Smith moved in the starting rotation where he finished with the most victories. Nate Hadley took over the closer’s role, and he was spectacular, saving 13 games, fourth most in the league. Hadley allowed 23 hits and 17 walks in 40.1 innings, recording an impressive 1.56 ERA. He struck out 44, helping to earn him a contract with the Colorado Rockies.

This past season Milwaukee began with Karch Kowalcyzk closing games, and he recorded 10 saves, but manager Anthony Barone wanted that dominant arm that ensured opponents knew that games were over once the hurler entered the contest. That became right-hander Rodrigo Benoit, who posted eight saves and a 1.62 ERA in 38.2 innings. Like many of his predecessors, Benoit brought the heat, striking out 61 while allowing 21 hits in 19 walks.

Returning to Continue the Legacy

This season, Hadley returns to take over the closer’s duties once again. After posting an impressive 1.29 ERA in 18 games for the Rockies rookie league team last season, Hadley was released, and will be back with the Milkmen this season looking to take back the role that made him a hot commodity for the affiliate club.

Hadley’s numbers have always been impressive. In his two minor league seasons he has a 1.65 ERA in 39 career appearances. His professional career began in the Minnesota Twins organization where he split time between two levels, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.87 ERA and three saves in 21 total appearances. For some reason, that was not good enough for the Twins organization, and he joined Milwaukee following the Covid-19 season.

The Rockies organization is likely going to regret the decision to let the right-hander go. Hadley returns to a place where he has had a great deal of success and turns an already impressive bullpen into one of the best in the American Association. A Milkmen closer has yet to lead the league in saves. That streak may be coming to an end this season, however.

By Robert Pannier