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Brewphoria: Manager Joe Ayrault

By Dominic Shelden

Story Created: Aug 3, 2011 at 3:04 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 3, 2011 at 9:49 PM MDT

With a former Pro Baseball player as a manager, you'd think a lot of these young players would be eager to hear about his career.

"I really don't know a lot about Joe (Ayrault)...but he's got some funny stories." says Brewers Pitcher Seth Harvey.

"I don't know anything about Joe's playing days, he hasn't really told me anything about that." Says Brewers First Baseman Nick Ramirez.

"From What I know he was a good catcher, but I don't know if I can take his word for it." Says Infielder Adrian Williams.

So if the players can't take his word for it, how would Joe describe his playing days.

"Worked my way up through the minor leagues with the Braves, always a catcher. Got a little cup of coffee '96, was part of the National League Championship team there in Atlanta," Says Brewers Manager Joe Ayrault.

Joe says it was the coaches and managers along the way that have helped make him the leader he is today.

"OF course Bobby Cox, and being around good baseball people has definitely molded me into what I am today as far as a baseball guy," Says Ayrault.

While Joe says many of his traits come from former coaches, his players compare him to some high profile big league managers.

"Joe Girardi. I mean Yankees managers have a history of just loving to win, and hating to lose, and I think Joe has that mentality." Says Williams.

"I can honestly say Lou Pinella. He's subtle at times, but when he gets fired up he can get us going." Says Harvey.

And while the team likes to have fun with Joe, when they get serious about it, they say they are thankful to have him around.

"I Think he's an amazing coach, probably the best in the league. I think that probably carried over from his playing career into his coaching career." Says Williams.

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