In a sport without a salary cap, small-market Major League Baseball organizations must find other ways to become successful beyond big contracts. For the Milwaukee Brewers, one point of success lies in a key intangible: A good culture.  

The Brewers are coming off of a franchise-best 97-win season and a trip to the National League Championship Series, and they did so with the 22nd-ranked payroll in baseball.

However, the Brewers are home to president of baseball operations Matt Arnold, the back-to-back MLB Executive of the Year Award winner, and Pat Murphy, the back-to-back National League Manager of the Year. 

The success of Arnold and Murphy has been recognized largely because of the culture they instill within the organization, and it is something the players appreciate. Recently, Brandon Cruz of FOX6 News Milwaukee visited the Brewers and talked with players in the clubhouse about what it is like to be a part of the organization. 

“The lightheartedness of this group is, it's pretty special, man,” Brewers right-hander Trevor Megill said. “Everybody, you know, everybody feels like close friends here. You know, I think Murph kind of sets the tone.

“He's got a way with words, to say the least, and, you know, he makes you feel right at home," Megill said. "And, I don't know, it's just like I feel like I'm playing a little league baseball game with some friends, so it's fun.” 

For Murphy, it is about cultivating an environment where players can grow.  

“We're trying our best to make it a place where guys can grow,” Murphy said. “Make it very fertile, you know, a place where guys can grow and find their best self. But it's really players who do it, you know; it's not just the environment. It's players who help other players.” 

For Arnold, it is about treating the organization like a family. 

“I think we treat it like a family, you know, we really do,” Arnold said. “And our guys are just good guys, you know. I think that's important to have. And it doesn't mean that they're perfect, but, you know, they really care about winning and they care about the community and they care about each other. 

“That leads to everyone in the organization working together towards a common goal, winning.” 

It is a culture that resonates with new players, like outfielder Akil Baddoo, who signed with Milwaukee during the offseason. 

“They care about the little things, you know what I mean, everything,” Baddoo said. “It takes a unit; it takes a village to win games. That's the most important thing. Do your job, whatever your job is, whatever you call for, do that job and execute.” 

The Brewers will open the season at home on March 26 against the Chicago White Sox. 

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!