Brewers name Christian Yelich first official team captain in franchise history

The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Saturday that Christian Yelich would be the first official team captain in franchise history.

Team captains are extremely common in the NFL but rare in MLB. Milwaukee has had symbolic captains in the past, including Hall of Famer Robin Yount, but never an official team captain.

Before accepting the title from the organization, Yelich ensured that Yount approved the move to name the outfielder team captain before he agreed to it, according to manager Pat Murphy:

"He had one request: that we ask Robin Yount before we do such a thing. Robin agreed whole-heartedly because in Yeli's mind Robin was the first captain. I think it goes without saying that nothing changes. He's just officially recognized as such."

Yelich has been with the Brewers since the 2018 season. So far with the organization, he has played in 1,089 games, the 13th-most in franchise history. The 34-year-old earned the National League MVP Award in his first season in Milwaukee. He has been a three-time All-Star and has 186 home runs and 616 RBI in his tenure with the Brewers.

The Milwaukee outfielder is currently playing under a seven-year, $188.5 million extension that has him under contract through the 2028 season. There is then a mutual option for the Brewers and Yelich for 2029.

Milwaukee has already clinched not only a playoff berth, but the NL Central title. The Brewers head into Saturday's game with the most wins in MLB (101) and are the only team with more than 100 wins this season.

The Brew Crew is expected to be the No. 1 seed in the National League's playoff bracket and will head into the postseason with Yelich featuring a brand-new "C" on his uniform.