Let's go, Brewers! (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!)

Count me as one of the thousands of overjoyed fans last Sunday when the Brewers nabbed their Wild Card spot to head to the playoffs! Even two games down to the Phillies, I remain optimistic and eager to see the Brewers back at Miller Park to play October baseball on home turf.

Like many fans, I went out to celebrate their victory with friends. Had to make an early stop at Maverick's at 21st and Howard and pay homage to a piece of Brewers memorabilia affixed to the ceiling there -- an outfield wall pad from the centerfield of County Stadium. It felt right to reflect on the retro of 1982 and then focus on the excitement of 2008.

Took champagne over to the backyard party of some dear friends, who are such big Brewers fans that they attend nearly every home game together and make an annual pilgrimage to Spring Training. Needless to say, they were excited! Our next stop? A Downtown party they'd been invited to where, they'd heard, some Brewers players might.

Um, they were.

I found myself in surreal yet wonderful situation -- a party like no other.

Refreshed and cleaned up from the champagne and beer bath in the locker room were Dale Sveum, Robin Yount, CC Sabathia, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks, Mike Cameron, and Bill Hall. And birthday boy Mark Attanasio with his wife, Debbie, showed up and even took to the dance floor together.

Obviously the vibe was a happy one, but what struck me even more was the friendliness. Not sloppy, over the top "I love you, man" type of stuff, but genuine conversations and exhilaration. It was a night of dancing, cheering and socializing. Gleeful smiles, high fives, and hollering. To be able to talk to the guys and wish them well in the post-season was a real treat.

It was a thrill and frankly, an honor, to be there.

I attended the pep rally on Monday afternoon at the Summerfest grounds to send the team off, too, so I'm still riding the wave of team spirit and enthusiasm! To all you fellow Brewers fans, keep the faith!