The Brewers, named for the city's connection with the brewing industry, used to parade their wares at the American League up until 1997 before shifting league to the National League Central Division. They play their home games at the 42,220-seat Miller Park, which opened in 2001.
Important moments and accomplishments
Following the relocation of the Braves franchise to Atlanta in the early ?60s, moves to bring back a Major League club to the city of Milwaukee immediately took shape. With now MLB commissioner Bud Selig (former Brewers club owner) leading the charge, the moves eventually bore fruit when the owners of the Seattle Pilots agreed to sell the franchise to Selig and his group. Selig didn't waste much time and moved the Pilots franchise to Milwaukee. And by 1970, the Brewers were born.
The first few years of the Brewers were a big struggle. On their first year they just won 65 games, a one-game improvement from the previous year. In 1974, the club brought back the legendary Hank Aaron to the fold, although his return didn't do much as far as winning was concerned. But come 1978, the fortunes of the club changed and the Brewers saw the start of their glory years.
The Brewers had their first winning season in 1978, winning 93 games. In 1981, Milwaukee made its first play-off appearance but was cut short by the New York Yankees. In 1982, the Brewers won the American League pennant, beating the California Angels three games to two to move on to the World Series. In the Big Dance, the Brewers met the St. Louis Cardinals but eventually bowed to the Cards in seven games.
In 1997, the Brewers elected to move to the National League following a realignment that necessitated with the MLB expanding to 30 teams.
In 2004, Selig and his group announced that they were putting the team on sale. The Brewers were officially turned over to their new owners led by investment banker Mark Attanasio in 2005 for a reported $180 million.
Years 2007 and 2008 were fruitful seasons for the Brewers, weighing more favorably in the scheme of things in the MLB than the previous years. In 2008, in particular, the Brewers returned to the postseason after 35 years of absence. They notched a wild-card berth, beating the New York Mets and then edging the NL Central champs Chicago Cubs in the play-offs. The buck though stopped for the Brewers in the NLDS as they were defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies three games to one.
Pitcher in the current roster
Dave Bush
Todd Coffey
Mark DiFelice
Tim Dillard
Eric Gagne
Yovani Gallardo
Seth McClung
Guillermo Mota
Manny Parra
Luis Pena
David Riske
CC Sabathia
Ben Sheets
Brian Shouse
Mitch Stetter
Jeff Suppan
Salomon Torres
Carlos Villanueva
Milwaukee Brewers current news
Following a successful 2008 season, the Brewers are facing a number of contract issues they have to settle. First of is filling the position of manager as they have yet to make a decision on interim manager Dale Sveum.
Another is the signing of the team's two top free agents in left-hander pitcher CC Sabathia and right-hander Ben Sheets as well as club options on players like Mike Cameron, Salomon Torres and Craig Counsell.
Having a resurgence the last two years, Brewers faithful have every reason to be bullish. The team is slowly gaining momentum and anything is possible.
