Brewers relief pitcher Will Smith says "I had an absolute blast" in first season, looking forward to second

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Will Smith's given name is a good fit because he has the "will" to win, the "will" to work hard, and the "will" to make two people who shaped his Major League career proud.

"I like to be outside a lot, so to be able to go play golf, you spend most of the day outside. I'm a competitive person, so it's nice to get out there and compete against something that's not baseball. I enjoy hunting and fishing," Smith said.

Smith actually beat teammate Kyle Lohse in a golf match, and Lohse is a top flight player. Of course, Will had a little help from fellow pitcher Tyler Thornburg and Brewers Director of New Media Caitlyn Moyer. The threesome outlasted Lohse on the 17th hole.

Like most world-class competitors, Smith can't get enough of the me vs. you.

"You could say that. There's just something about -- there's always got to be something on the line to play for, whether it be bragging rights. We just got done playing cards inside. It's something as simple as that that keeps that clubhouse fun, keeps guys on each other. It's fun to be competitive -- whether playing cards or dealing pitches on the mound. What kinda motivates me and pushes me is just the man-to-man competition. It's my best stuff vs. your best stuff, you know? Let's go get it -- that type of attitude," Smith said.

Smith went and got it last year -- especially before the All-Star break. The 25-year-old Georgia native went one-and-three with a .370 ERA in a career-high 78 relief appearances. Smith came to the Brewers in the trade with Kansas City for outfielder Nori Aoki in December 2013.

"I had an absolute blast. The city was awesome. The fans were awesome. We started off so hot. The team gelled so well together. The older guys opened up their arms and accepted me. It was awesome. I had a great time my first year and looking forward to the second one," Smith said.

Smith says "look, I'll do anything. I'll even take batting practice in the cage." The main thing for the big left-hander is that he just wants that baseball as often as Ron Roenicke needs to use him -- no complaints and no criticism.



"It was just kind of a joke with Ron saying 'I don't think you overused me' because last year, a lot of guys asked me 'were you tired? Were you tired? Were you tired?' I wasn't tired. I just wasn't very good," Smith said.

Smith saying he wants the baseball even more this season has to have a great ring to it.

Speaking of rings, the one Smith wears around his neck belonged to his late grandfather.

"Him and my dad were the two guys -- my dad would come home from work after working at Delta all day and I was like 'Dad, can we play catch?' And then my granddaddy, he wouldn't sit in the bleachers. He would sit right there by the dugout and he'd sit there the whole game and he absolutely loved it," Smith said.

Smith says he senses his grandfather's presence when he's pitching.

"Obviously he's up there in a better place and he's got the best seats in the world right now," Smith said.

Smith and the Brewers play their last Cactus League game on Saturday, April 4th.

They'll enjoy Easter Sunday off before Opening Day vs. the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park on Monday, April 6th.