The Milwaukee Brewers recalled Matt Erickson to their big league club Tuesday which, you know, is a pretty remarkable accomplishment considering it was 18 years ago when the team released him.

Erickson’s first stint with the Brewers in 2004 lasted only four games. He had just one hit in six plate appearances, but that hit came off hall of fame pitcher Greg Maddux, a feat noteworthy enough he named his son Maddox.

This time Erickson arrives as a coach. After 11 years as the manager of the team’s Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ A-ball affiliate, the Appleton native was promoted on Tuesday to be the infield and an assistant hitting coach with the Brewers.

“Ten years ago I was coming off the field and just trying to make an impact, any way I could, really,’’ Erickson said Tuesday in a Zoom call. “And 10 years passes, and we’ve had a number of players go through Appleton, and I’ve learned a lot from the players and the coaches that I’ve been around in our organization. So, it’s a humbling experience to get this opportunity, but it’s something at the same time that I believe I’m ready for and excited to contribute and help any way possible.’’

Erickson received a phone call earlier this month from Brewers manager Craig Counsell, and while he said numerous times in the past he was happy and content to help the team in player development while raising his family in his hometown, he knew this was the right moment.

“When you separate the minor leagues and the big leagues, the big leagues are about the result. And, are you winning?” Erickson said. “When I got this phone call and had the first discussion with Counsell, that was the thing I started to think about, to be honest with you."

“My competitive juices started flowing in my body, thinking about wins and losses. And while you’re highly competitive in the minor leagues with your team, sometimes it does take a back seat to the development of your players and your clubhouse and, obviously, the health of your team. But, at the big league level, it becomes much more about the scoreboard.”

Erickson, 46, is no stranger to being around the big-league club. During his tenure in Appleton, he assisted the Brewers’ staff at the end of some seasons (after the Timber Rattlers’ season concluded), has been involved in the preparation of the team in spring training, has run the Brewers’ alternate training site the past two seasons at Fox Cities Stadium, and has also served as an advance scout.

And during his time with the Timber Rattlers, he has seen 46 of his former players reach the major leagues.

“So, those building blocks, that development for me as a coach, has really been a privilege and something that I think has helped me to be ready for this moment right now,’’ he said.

Erickson met with Counsell in a coffee shop last week and discussed his role.

“Sitting down with Craig, he thought it was time to have a little more attention on the infielders, specifically, and that will be my primary role from my understanding,’’ he said. “To make sure they have the attention needed and have a sounding board as someone who can relate to them; played the position.’’

Jim Henderson, who was also promoted to the Brewers’ staff Tuesday as the team’s new bullpen coach, has witnessed Erickson’s success as both a player and coach.

“First off, Matt is easy to deal with,’’ said Henderson, who was on the Rattlers’ roster as a player in 2010, when Erickson was the team’s hitting coach, then again in 2019 when he was the Rattlers’ pitching coach. “He is one of my favorite managers to work for; good communicator, and then he helped me out tremendously. I was kind of in my first full season as pitching coach and he took me under his wing and he kind of guided me a little bit. So he has those leadership qualities that you seek in a coach.

“He was always available whenever you needed him and that’s what you want out of a coach. Matt Erickson brings that to the table.”

This latest move continues a remarkable run of baseball success for the Erickson family. Matt’s father, Bruce, is a member of the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association's hall of fame and won four WIAA state titles at Appleton West, including one with Matt. So you know who the first call went to after he accepted the job.

“He’s pretty excited,’’ Matt said of his father. “I was able to tell him a couple of weeks ago. And yeah, he’s excited for sure. He’s had some health issues the past few years so I’m glad he’s around to be a part of this, and obviously, he’s been highly influential in my baseball career, not only as a player but as a coach.’’

Story idea? You can reach Mike Woods at 920-246-6321 or at: michael.t.woods1@charter.com