Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich recently returned to Miami, his former stomping ground, offering a nostalgic look back at his time with the Marlins. For Yelich, walking into the visitors' clubhouse at loanDepot park felt surprisingly normal, marking over seven years since he transitioned to Milwaukee, matching his tenure with the Marlins.
In an exclusive interview, the former National League MVP and three-time All-Star reminisced about his early career. "They gave me my first opportunity to play in the big leagues, drafted me and all that cool stuff. So, it's a part of my journey…a lot of your career-firsts—debuts, first hit, first homer, all that. Feels like a really long time ago, but some pretty cool memories," Yelich shared.
Drafted and Developed: Yelich's Marlin Memories
Miami selected Yelich as the 23rd overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. His performance in the minor leagues quickly validated their decision, showcasing his offensive prowess against older competition.
When asked about specific moments he cherishes as a Marlin, Yelich emphasized the bonds he formed. "You make a lot of good friends. You're chasing—everybody's chasing—the same goal of trying to make it to the big leagues. I met some really good friends here, myself and (J.T.) Realmuto are pretty good buddies—we met in the Gulf Coast League our first couple of days in pro ball."
Staying Connected: The Marlins Brotherhood
Yelich also mentioned maintaining contact with other notable figures from the mid-2010s Marlins era. "Still talk to (Marcell) Ozuna, Justin Bour and Giancarlo (Stanton). Just all really good dudes." Despite the team's struggles to win more than 79 games during those years, Yelich remains impressed by the talent within those squads.
Looking Ahead
While Yelich is focused on his future with the Brewers, his reflections on his time with the Marlins highlight the formative experiences and lasting relationships he built in Miami. These memories continue to shape his perspective as a player and contribute to his appreciation for the game.