John Axford, a Canadian-born pitcher, became a familiar name in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his powerful arm and distinctive mustache. His journey to the big leagues was not a straightforward path. Axford attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played college baseball, but his career there was interrupted by Tommy John surgery. After transferring to Canisius College, he went undrafted in 2006, which led him to sign with the New York Yankees as a free agent.
Axford's MLB debut came with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009. By 2010, he had taken over the closer role from Trevor Hoffman, finishing the season with 24 saves and a 2.48 ERA. His performance earned him the closer position for the Brewers in 2011, a year in which he excelled. Axford led the National League with 46 saves, setting a franchise record for the Brewers, and was instrumental in helping the team reach the postseason. His efforts that year earned him the Rolaids Relief Man Award and the Tip O'Neill Award, given to the best Canadian baseball player.
The following seasons saw Axford's performance fluctuate. In 2012, he recorded 35 saves but struggled with consistency, posting a 4.67 ERA. The Brewers traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, where he served as a setup man. Axford's journey continued as he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2014, where he briefly reclaimed a closer role before being designated for assignment.
Axford's career included stints with several teams, reflecting the journeyman nature of many relief pitchers. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays, among others. In 2015, while with the Rockies, Axford was named the National League Reliever of the Month for April, showcasing his ability to still perform at a high level.
In addition to his on-field career, Axford was known for his engaging personality and interests outside of baseball, including a passion for film. He often shared movie reviews and insights on social media, endearing him to fans beyond his baseball accomplishments.
Axford's career faced challenges, including injuries and fluctuating performance, but he remained a respected figure in the league. His ability to adapt and continue competing at the highest level of baseball was a testament to his skill and perseverance. In 2021, Axford made a brief return to the Brewers, marking a full-circle moment in his career, although it was cut short due to injury.
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