Despite gloomy skies, gusty winds and occasional rain, fans made their way to the Henry Maier Festival Park Thursday evening to celebrate the Brewers' 2011 NL Central Division championship.
The crowd, reportedly estimated at around 7,500, hooted and hollered through the hour-long festivities, bookended by performances by The Good Rebels and Five for Fighting.
Photo gallery: Brewers' playoff pep rally
The stars of the show were brought up and showcased for an adoring fan base, hungry for a championship after getting just a taste in 2008, when the Brewers won the National League wild card and lost to eventual World Series champion Philadelphia in four games.
At the time, there was a feeling of relief around the city, natural after going 26 years between postseason appearances. This time, though, there was more of a feeling of optimism.
Most of the players interviewed were signing a similar refrain: they hoped that this was just the first of many celebrations to come this season. Heading into the playoffs, there is an air of confidence that this team could enjoy a lengthy October.
"We really believe we have a chance to win this whole thing," left fielder Ryan Braun said. "Hopefully today is just the first of many celebrations for us."
Along with the current team, legends from the last division-winning Brewers team, in 1982, were also on-hand. Gorman Thomas and Jim Gantner both made appearances, as did Hall of Famer Robin Yount.
Yount couldn't be in Milwaukee last week when the Brewers clinched the division but was following the game and according to Bob Uecker, threw a celebration outside of his Phoenix-area home that included a fireworks display.
True or not, Yount played along.
"I sure as hell wasn't going to let you guys celebrate alone without me," Yount said.
The loudest cheers of the evening, however, were saved for Prince Fielder and Braun.
Braun was greeted with chants of "M-V-P" while Fielder's interview with FS Wisconsin's Craig Coshun and Bill Schroeder was drowned out by fans chanting "one more year" in reference to Fielder's imminent free agency.
Veteran players like Mark Kotsay thanked the city for making him feel welcome in what could be his last year. Craig Counsell, who grew up in Milwaukee, remembered being 12 years old when the Brewers last went to the World Series.
"Hopefully we can take the next step," Counsell said.
Aside from the festivities, there was some small business to report:
- Roenicke has yet to name his starter for Game 2, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Miller Park. He told reporters that he knows who it will be, but wants to discussing things further with his coaches before making an official announcement. There is a possibility that Zack Greinke, the winner Wednesday, could make a second consecutive start on short rest. He threw just 74 pitches in the series finale.
- FS Wisconsin won't broadcast any of the postseason games but will host a one-hour, live show following each game.
- Uecker and Cory Provus will call games on the radio, but those broadcasts will only be available on WTMJ-AM (620). Those stations usually on the Brewers Radio Network will have to use the ESPN Radio broadcast of playoff games.
- For Games 1 and 2, the Miller Park parking lots will open three hours prior to game time and the gates will open two hours prior to game time. The team is encouraging those planning to park at the stadium to purchase their passes in advance.
- Those looking to avoid the rush can ride the Milwaukee County Transit System shuttles to and from the stadium. Route 90 service, operating along Wisconsin Avenue from the Downtown Transit Center to Miller Park, begins service two hours before each game. Buses will operate every 10 minutes up to 30 minutes after each game. For more information, visit ridemcts.com.
