Garrett Mitchell receives postgame feedback from someone who understands his responsibilities from experience. His wife, Haley Cruse Mitchell, played professional softball and shares his background as a center fielder and leadoff hitter.

In an interview with USA TODAY, the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder said Haley has an excellent feel for when to offer feedback, although her approach can depend on the day. She also evaluates his performances through a different perspective.

“It’s feel. Depends on the day sometimes, but for the most part, she’s got really great feel for that,” Mitchell said.

“She sees it from a different lens.”

Garrett and Haley have both competed at the highest levels of their respective sports.

Garrett was an All-American outfielder and leadoff hitter at UCLA. He produced a career .327/.393/.478 hitting line with six home runs and 81 RBIs in 121 games.

He also became an American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove finalist before the Brewers selected him No. 20 overall in the 2020 MLB Draft.

Haley was a three-time All-Pac-12 and NFCA All-Region center fielder at the University of Oregon. Like her husband, she set the table for her team’s lineup.

Haley led the Ducks in hitting during four consecutive seasons, becoming the first Oregon player to accomplish that feat. She also finished her college career ranked among the program’s top 10 in four categories.

Garrett believes their games share several similarities. Their mutual understanding of center field and the leadoff role makes conversations about those responsibilities easy.

“I feel like our games are very similar... That’s something we’ve had in common,” Garrett said.

“What it means to play the position [center field] and bat in the leadoff... It’s pretty easy to talk to her about that stuff.”

After progressing through Milwaukee’s minor-league system, Garrett made his MLB debut on Aug. 22, 2022.

He delivered one of his most memorable moments in Game 2 of the 2024 National League Wild Card Series against the New York Mets. Garrett hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, helping Milwaukee earn a 5-3 victory and force Game 3.

Mitchell is hitting .266 with 30 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs 65 RBIs, 70 runs scored, 14 stolen bases and a .783 OPS in 140 games this season (all career highs). 

Garrett credits Haley with contributing to his breakout that season. She encouraged him to concentrate on barreling fastballs at the top of the strike zone. He described that adjustment as a major turning point in his career and said they continue discussing it.

“That was a big turning point for me in my career at that point. That’s something we still actively talk about... That’s the most prevalent one out of all the [physical] things,” Garrett added.

Before Athletes Unlimited existed, Haley signed with the USSSA Pride, one of the first professional softball organizations competing in Women’s Professional Fastpitch.

She also became known as a dancing TikTok influencer before the student-athlete Name, Image and Likeness movement.

Her path made her a trailblazer for future professional and college softball players.

“Something we’ve really bonded over was the mental hardship of just playing and traveling, and being in your own mind,” Garrett noted.

The couple also connected through the mental challenges of competing, traveling and spending considerable time inside their own thoughts.

That shared experience gives Garrett a trusted voice who understands the emotional and technical demands of his career. Haley can recognize when he needs advice, encouragement or space.

Garrett brings athleticism, defensive range and the willingness to make adjustments. His openness to Haley’s observations demonstrates humility and confidence rather than dependence.

He and the Brewers recently clinched their fourth consecutive National League Central title and are expected to make a deep postseason run. Garrett and Haley also announced that they are expecting a baby girl in 2027.