Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Milwaukee Brewers: Saturday Marks Legendary Closer’s Wall of Honor Induction

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Giants, the Milwaukee Brewers will induct franchise legend John Axford into the Wall of Honor, commemorating his fairly brief but electric career with the team. Among his feats is a streak of 49 straight save conversions, one of the longest in MLB history. In 2011, his second full season in Milwaukee, he posted a 1.95 ERA and his 46 saves tied Atlanta’s Craig Kimbrel for the National League lead. Now, after trading Axford to St. Louis in 2013 and a failed reunion eight years later, the Brewers will finally give the organization’s third all-time saves leader his proper acknowledgement.

Milwaukee Brewers’ Ax Man returns to town for pre-game fete

Located on the left field exterior near the ballpark’s Hot Corner entrance, the Wall of Honor features 58 total members, including players, coaches, and executives who have made a lasting mark on the franchise. Every member of the Wall receivers a bronze a plaque and description of his Brewers accomplishments. As part of his induction, Axford will throw out the first pitch before the game’s 6:10 PM CT start time. For fans of the 2010s era, it’s an event to look forward to.

Ironically, Brewers fans will want to arrive *early* tonight to finally give @JohnAxford a proper sendoff. The (sometimes) mustachioed man known for converting 49 straight saves and always leaving a note will be inducted into the Wall of Honor.

5:45 p.m. ceremonial first pitch. pic.twitter.com/YvW2vNOhMv

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 23, 2025

Axford remains extremely popular in franchise memory despite lasting only a pair of successful seasons; after two years on the job, the Brewers fireballer lost his command in 2012 and his closer’s role the following season.

Nonetheless, his early dominance led him to compile 106 saves in a Milwaukee jersey, putting him behind only Dan Plesac (133) and Josh Hader (125) on the franchise leaderboard.

Miraculously, Axford rejoined the Brewers for the blink of an eye in 2021 after three years out of the big leagues. He recorded an out and gave up two runs before leaving the game with an elbow injury. It was his only appearance that season and the last of his career.

Axford, now 42, wrapped up his playing days with a 3.90 ERA, a strikeout rate over 10 K/9, and 144 saves. In addition to Milwaukee, he made stops in St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Oakland, Toronto, and Los Angeles during his 11-year career.

Milwaukee Brewers: Saturday Marks Legendary Closer's Wall of Honor Induction 2 June 22, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher John Axford (59) pitches during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After leaving the Brewers, his only other stint as a full-time closer came in 2015 with the Rockies. His 46 saves in 2011 remain the single-season record for a Milwaukee pitcher, although Trevor Megill, who has 30 so far this year, could come close in 2025.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: