After much controversy about bringing a team to Milwaukee, the Seattle Pilots relocated to Wisconsin in 1969 and became known as the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1974, the Brewers executed a trade that brought all-time great Hank Aaron back to Milwaukee. It was not until 1978, however, that the Brewers would have a winning season.
In the early 1980's, Milwaukee reached its high point. In 1981, the Brewers played in their first playoff series, only to lose to the Yankees. The team's outstanding offensive production in the 1982 season earned them the nickname of Harvey's Wallbangers; the team went on to win the American League pennant. During the 1980's, Rollie Fingers won the MVP award and Cy Young award (1981); additionally, Robin Yount won the MVP award in 1982 and 1989. Highlights of the 1987 season included Juan Nieves' no-hitter, the only one recorded in franchise history.
As baseball underwent expansion, the Brewers were transferred from the AL East to the AL Central in 1994. In 1998, the Brewers were once again transferred, this time to the National League, to facilitate interleague play. Miller Park was opened in 2001, set to replace Milwaukee County Stadium. In an attempt to restructure the team, the Brewers traded star outfielder Carlos Lee to Texas for Kevin Mench, Francisco Cordero, and Laynce Nix in 2006.
In 2008 the Brew Crew returned to the post-season for the first time since 1982 after clinching the NL Wild Card with a 90-72 record. They were matched up against the Philadelphia Phillies and lost in a four game NLDS battle. 2009 will be an interesting season for Milwaukee knowing thirteen players are up for new contracts. CC Sabathia has signed with the New York Yankees, Russell Branyan agreed to a deal with the Mariners, and Derrick Turnbow signed with the Texas Rangers. These are just a few of the many players they may be losing to free agency.
The Brewers have acquired bullpen pitchers Jorge Julio, R.J. Swindle, and all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman to somewhat make up for their free agency losses. Hopefully the Brewers will find a way to make it back to the playoffs with their new found roster.
With much anticipation, the Home Run Derby ended with a familiar face winning. Previous contestant Prince Fielder outslugged Nelson Cruz 6-5 in the final roundto win the derby. Brandon Inge, Joe Mauer, Carlos Pena, and Adrian Gonzalez all failed to make it to the second round, leaving Ryan Howard, Fielder, Cruz, and hometown favorite Albert [...]
Dave Bush pitched magnificently for the Milwaukee Brewers today, getting through 7 2/3 innings before surrendering his first hit. Phillies slugger Matt Stairs ended Bush’s dreams of a no hitter with a shot that banked of the foul pole, resulting in a solo home run. Jimmy Rollins recorded a single before Bush was taken out, [...]
On Thursday the Brewers sent ace CC Sabathia to the mound, hoping that he could lead the NL Wild Card winners to a 1-1 tie in the NLDS. Phillies’ centerfielder Shane Victorino had other plans. Having already gotten a hit off of Sabathia in the previous inning, Victorino stepped to the plate in the second [...]
