'One of one': Story behind Winker's unique beaded necklace

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MILWAUKEE -- Some players sport gold chains. Joc Pederson wore pearls during the 2021 World Series that wound up in Cooperstown. Jesse Winker’s new neckwear is decidedly more modest: A beaded necklace from his 2-year-old daughter, Wren.

“I like wearing it,” Winker said. “It’s made out of fine material. These beads, they’re from Italy.”

His daughter made the necklace during the Brewers’ last homestand and Winker started wearing it in games. He’s delighted that fans have taken note of the gesture and said he plans to keep wearing it until the elastic string gives out.

“I love my kid so much,” Winker said. “People have messaged me now that it’s gotten some attention, so that’s really cool. It’s going to be fun to share that with her when she gets older. Every time I FaceTime her, she goes, ‘My necklace! That’s my necklace!’”

Wren’s mother is based in Cincinnati, where Winker played from 2017-21. The distance proved enormously challenging when Winker was traded to Seattle in '22, which was one of the reasons, along with serious knee and neck injuries that ultimately required surgery, that he struggled to the least productive season of his career.

When he was traded again to the Brewers last winter, Winker was thrilled.

“It’s made co-parenting so much easier,” Winker said. “My mom goes and gets my daughter. She flies to Cincinnati, then gets a quick flight to Chicago or Milwaukee and rents a car. It’s been so much easier. Peace of mind is priceless.

“I’ve enjoyed it here, man. It’s been great for me personally.”

Asked whether Wren has a matching necklace, Winker smiled and said, "This is one of one.”

Instead, she has a matching bracelet.

Wren’s third birthday is May 27, when the Brewers host the Giants.