The wave of patriotism that has flowed over this country since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks reached Miller Park Friday night.

The Brewers followed what has become a pattern in big league parks since the game returned last Monday. Representatives of Milwaukee area police and fire departments marched on the field to a loud ovation and unfurled a large flag in the outfield.

Every fan was given an American flag as he or she entered the ballpark. Many brought in larger flags and wore red, white and blue

Some of the impact was diminished by the fact baseball had been back for five days already. One of the smallest crowds in recent months - 26,412 -- also attended the game between the Brewers and Cincinnati Reds, two teams that are just playing out the season.

But, the reaction from the fans still could not help but touch you, along with a video and the singing of the national anthem. The video highlighted President George Bush during happier times, when he threw out the first pitch in Miller Park this past spring.

Plus, Milwaukee had the commish, baseball commissioner Bud Selig, to address the fans. Selig thanked fans in the park and "all over this country and Canada for the sincere and moving demonstrations of patriotism and support."

Selig said he thought the "clubs and players have responded with great dignity and sensitivity."

"During times like these, we in baseball are reminded of the role we play," Selig said. He said as a "social institution" baseball provides not only entertainment, but "stability and unification."

"We in baseball are proud to be part of our national recovery," Selig concluded.

The Brewers made the tribute part of an expanded Fan Appreciation Weekend. Prizes and cash are being given out to fans all weekend in what was supposed to be the last series of the regular season.

Because of the games postponed during the national disaster, however, the Brewers will play Oct. 2-7 at Miller Park.

September 11th Fund

The Brewers collected $25,000 for the September 11th Fund over the weekend. The donations for the families of those killed in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania were so overwhelming Friday night that the club extended it through the full series. Fans, players and staff, and Brewers' Charities donated to the fund.

Sheets Looks Good

The Brewers had to be pleased with the way Ben Sheets pitched Friday. In his first game back since coming off the disabled list with a shoulder problem, Sheets didn't give up a hit until the fourth inning.

Then, the Reds scored two runs off Sheets on two hits and an error by the pitcher himself. That was all they got off Sheets, who was on a strict pitch count and was relieved after five innings. Sheets is scheduled to pitch again Wednesday in Arizona.

Dubious Dishonor

Geoff Jenkins will go into the record books as the player who set the Brewers' major league record for strikeouts. When Jenkins went down swinging in the eighth inning Friday, it was the Brewers' 1,269th K of the season, eclipsing the old record of 1,268 set by the 1996 Tigers.

The Brewers kept going over the weekend and will end up demolishing that old record. Jose Hernandez also could set an individual strikeout record.

Scary Moment

Everybody in the ballpark held their breath for a while when the Reds' Wilton Guerrero and Brewers' Mark Loretta collided at first base in the sixth inning Friday.

You won't see a tougher hit Monday night when the Packers play the Redskins. Loretta, who was going over from second to cover first base, was in mid-air when he smacked into Guerrero, who was running out a bunt.

Both looked like they might have sustained neck injuries, and Guerrero seemed to be out cold for a while. The Reds said, however, Guerrero did not lose consciousness, but had a mild concussion. He did not start Satutday or Sunday. Loretta played Saturday night, but did not start Sunday.

Minor League Awards

Infielder Bill Hall, who hit over. 300 for Huntsville (AA), and Nick Neugebauer received the Brewers' minor league player and pitcher of the year awards before Sunday's game. Hall worked out with the team over the weekend. Neugebauer, who pitched two games for the Brewers, has had shoulder surgery and hopes to be ready to pitch next spring.

Review and Preview

The Brewers' attack continued to look pathetic in the first two games of the weekend series, both losses to the Reds. They scored only three runs in the two games and had only 10 runs in a seven-game skid.

But, on Sunday, the Brewers showed some life in twice rallying back from deficits. Alex Sanchez played a key role with two hits and some crafty base running. Sanchez's speed adds another dimension to the Brewers' attack. If he could hit .250 in the majors, he could be a factor on the team next season.