Brewers Fans Anticipate Playoff Glory: A Game to Remember!

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Brewers Fans Imagine a Championship Celebration

For a Red Sox fan who remembers 2004, watching the Brewers brings back memories of wondering how it would feel when the final out was recorded. That same anticipation now surrounds Brewers fans as they consider what a victory tonight could mean.

One fan briefly considered driving to Milwaukee and might still make the trip if the series reaches Game 5. Otherwise, the celebration would include texts and phone calls with longtime friends and people he attended Brewers games with as a child, when $10 covered bus fare and a bleacher ticket.

Despite the excitement, there is still caution about celebrating too soon. The series has not previously returned to the home team’s park from this position, but no fan wants to see their team become responsible for the biggest collapse in World Series history.

The Brewers appear prepared for a bullpen game with everyone rested. Gosser’s clean outing last night allowed the team to avoid using its high-leverage arms. Ashby, Uribe, and McGill could cover more than four innings if Dustin May and Romero handle the early innings. The Brewers will face converted setup man Griffin Jacks, who has gone beyond five innings only twice this year. If the matchup becomes a bullpen game, there is confidence in Milwaukee’s advantage, especially with the Rays potentially demoralized.

That confidence and excitement are also reflected in the sold-out watch party at American Family Field. Fans paid to gather at the ballpark and watch the game on the big screen, with tickets selling out in about five minutes.

Wisconsin has a strong fan culture. Wisconsin Badgers supporters have long traveled well to bowl games, while Packers fans regularly appear at road games wearing cheeseheads. People in Wisconsin like to drink and root for their teams, and Brewers fans are showing that same passion.

The possibility that this could be the last baseball game for a while is not a major concern if the Brewers finish with a championship. If they win the crown, fans will be content to enjoy the ring and parade while waiting for baseball to return.