Former Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford is set to be inducted into the team's Wall of Honor on Saturday, August 23. The announcement was made by the Brewers on January 27, 2025. The induction ceremony will take place before the Brewers' game against the San Francisco Giants, scheduled for 6:10 p.m.
Axford, affectionately known as the "Ax Man," had two stints with the Brewers, from 2009-2013 and a brief return in 2021. In total, he played six seasons with the team. During his time in Milwaukee, Axford became a fan favorite and established himself as one of the team's most reliable closers. He currently ranks third in franchise history with 106 saves.
His most dominant season came in 2011 when he set a franchise record with 46 saves while also leading the National League in that category. That year, he also recorded a stellar 1.95 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 74 appearances. Axford was named the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year for his outstanding performance. Between the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Axford recorded 49 consecutive saves, a franchise record and the sixth-longest in Major League history. He also holds the franchise record for consecutive saves with 43.
The Brewers Wall of Honor recognizes players, coaches, and executives for their exceptional service and achievements with the organization. To be considered for the Wall of Honor, players must meet certain criteria, such as accumulating 2,000 or more plate appearances, pitching 1,000 or more innings, or making at least 250 appearances as a pitcher. Award winners and managers of pennant-winning teams are also eligible, as are individuals recognized with a statue at American Family Field or those inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame who played for the Brewers. Axford qualifies for the Wall of Honor due to his 269 appearances as a pitcher for the Brewers and winning the Reliever of the Year award in 2011.
As a Wall of Honor inductee, Axford will have a bronze plaque with his photo and career highlights displayed on the exterior of American Family Field, on the north side of the ballpark, alongside other Brewers legends. These plaques are designed by Matthews International, who also design the plaques for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Axford will be the 72nd member to be inducted into the Brewers Wall of Honor.
After leaving the Brewers in 2013, Axford played for several other MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, Oakland A's, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. In 11 Major League seasons, he totaled 144 saves with a 3.90 ERA. He officially retired after pitching a scoreless inning for Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
