milwaukee brewers history
milwaukee brewers history
The Milwaukee Brewers have made steady progress the last few years and appear ready to contend in the National League Central. Finishing last season dead even at 81-81 left the good folks of Milwaukee salivating at the possibilities to come. If your plan is to purchase Milwaukee Brewers tickets, don’t hesitate, don’t drag your feet, don’t delay; you may bear witness to an historic season.
To understand the history of the Milwaukee Brewers, take a step back and study the last years of the Braves in Milwaukee. It’s hard to believe that a good baseball town like Milwaukee lost the Braves in the first place but that’s exactly what happened. The Braves produced incredible excitement in the 50’s with World Series appearances in 1957 and 1958. They lost a one game playoff to the Dodgers in 1959 or they’d have played the White Sox ninety-miles to the south. Unfortunately, their fortunes changed and greed figured in their move to Georgia.
In 1969 the American expanded to Seattle and the Pilots were born. They stayed just one season, playing in rickety Sick’s Stadium. Milwaukee car dealer Bud Selig struck a backroom deal, buying the Pilots, renaming them the Brewers and setting up shop in County Stadium. Though the modern ball player is sometimes called greedy, remember they learned from the best, team owners.
So, the history lesson is complete and we fast forward to spring training 2006. The Brewers feature some of the league’s most exciting young players. Rookie Prince Fielder, Cecil’s son will be handling first base duties. GM Bob Melvin thought so much of Fielder he traded Lyle Overbay to Toronto. The keystone combo of J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks will keep things exciting. Veteran players Damian Miller, Carlos Lee, Brady Clark and Cory Koskie (from Toronto) round out a Brewers team worth watching.
The pitching should be strong with a rotation led by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano. Every rotation has that one guy looking to break out and in this rotation it’s Doug Davis. Finishing 11-11 last year, Davis has an opportunity to solidify Manger Ned Yost’s pitching staff. If not, perhaps Tomo Ohka or Dave Bush will accept the challenge. The bullpen will be anchored once again by Derrick Turnbow, who turned in a sparkling 2005, saving 39 games with a miniscule Earned Run Average. Matt Wise returns in middle relief.
The Brewers have quietly positioned themselves to make a run at the National League Central. It remains to be seen if this solid mix of youth and veterans can make a run at Houston and St. Louis. If fans purchase Milwaukee Brewers tickets, they will be treated to as much talent as they’ve had an opportunity to enjoy in many years. The great Brewer teams of Yount and Molitor of the 80’s are a distant memory and this Brew Crew is primed and ready to do put their memory to rest.
