Tim Dillard

From BR Bullpen

Timothy Charles Dillard

  • Bats Both, Throws Right
  • Height 6' 4", Weight 215 lb.

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Biographical Information[edit]

The son of former big leaguer Steve Dillard and brother of Andy Dillard and Jeff Dillard, Tim Dillard pitched in the Milwaukee Brewers organization from 2003 to 2018, a rarity for a marginal player in this day and age. Tim was originally drafted in the 15th round of the 2001 amateur draft by Milwaukee but did not sign. After one year of junior college, Milwaukee drafted him as a draft-and-follow in the 34th round of the 2002 amateur draft. After a second year of junior college, Tim had committed to the University of Mississippi, but was signed by scout Doug Reynolds in 2003 and made his pro debut that summer.

Though he had been a catcher primarily in high school, Dillard became a pitcher in the minor leagues. He spent 2003 with the AZL Brewers (1-2, 3.79, 6.4 K:BB ratio) and the Helena Brewers (no runs in 5 IP). Dillard spent 2004 with the Beloit Snappers, going 2-5 with 10 saves and a 3.94 ERA. He allowed a .283 average but walked only 22 in 77 2/3 IP.

Becoming a starting pitcher in 2005, Dillard had a very good year for the Brevard County Manatees. He went 12-10 with a 2.48 ERA, allowing only a 2.19 average and 1.51 BB/9; his WHIP was under 1 and his K:BB ratio was over 4 to one. He led Milwaukee minor leaguers in ERA, complete games (5), innings pitched (185) and tied Ty Taubenheim for the lead in victories. He was second in the Florida State League in ERA behind Carlos Villanueva and 10th in the US-based minor leagues in ERA. He led the FSL in starts (28), complete games and innings and was one win behind leader Jordan Tata. He made the league All-Star team but 'Baseball America did not include him in their list of the league's top 20 prospects.

In 2006, he won 10 games with the Huntsville Stars, losing 7 and posting a 3.15 ERA. His K:BB ratio fell, but was still 3:1 and he allowed a .261 average. Dillard missed the Southern League top 10 in ERA. He was 8-4, 4.74 while splitting his time between the bullpen and the starting rotation for the Nashville Sounds in 2007. He returned to Nashville to start the 2008 season but found more success, going 3-0, 2.01 over his first 15 relief appearances, earning a ticket to The Show. He made his debut for the Brewers on May 23, 2008. He replaced Brian Shouse with a 5-1 deficit in the bottom of the 8th and retired Ryan Zimmerman on a grounder to second, Aaron Boone swinging and Lastings Milledge on a ground out to short. He was yanked for pinch-hitter Craig Counsell in the top of the 9th.

Dillard pitched in AAA with the Nashville Sounds in the Texas Rangers organization in 2018 and with the independent Milwaukee Milkmen in 2020. He signed with the Rangers in Dec 2020, but was released the following February. He announced his retirement in March 2021. Sources include 2002-2007 Baseball Almanacs

Further Reading[edit]

  • Adam McCalvy: "Pitcher, part-time comedian Dillard returns: Minor League sidearmer re-signs with Brewers for 15th pro season", mlb.com, December 12, 2016. [1]

Related Sites[edit]

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