With a postseason invitation tucked neatly in their pockets, the Brewers packed their bags and headed for Mitchell International Airport and a flight bound for Philadelphia.
They just had to make one quick stop on the way.
With thousands of screaming fans gathered near the Miller Lite Oasis at the Summerfest grounds, the Brewers took part in a rally to celebrate the team's first playoff berth in 26 years.
Players snapped pictures and help up camcorders as they emerged from buses. Some posed for pictures atop Milwaukee Police Department motorcycles while others soaked in the experience.
Brewers television announcers Brian Anderson -- who will handle the same duties for TBS in the Division Series -- and Bill Schroeder hosted the event and brought a number of players, including Seth McClung, Mike Cameron, Jason Kendall and Prince Fielder up to say a few words to the fans.
"You've waited 26 years," closer Salomon Torres screamed. "And you can wait no more!"
Brian Shouse presented a Brewers jersey with his No. 51 on the back to team owner Mark Attanasio, who celebrated his 51st birthday at the ballpark on Sunday.
The biggest cheers of the evening were saved for CC Sabathia and Ryan Braun, who played instrumental roles in Sunday's Wild Card-clinching 3-1 victory over the Cubs. Sabathia pitched his seventh complete game of the season to ice the Cubs and Braun's two-run homer in the eighth put the Brewers ahead.
He was greeted by chants of "M-V-P, M-V-P" as he took the microphone.
"We're just getting started," Braun told fans.
Also appearing was general manager Doug Melvin. He thanked the fans -- 3 million of whom came through the Miller Park turnstiles -- for supporting the team and making the Sabathia trade possible.
"It's the fans here that gave me the motivation for going 'all in,'" Melvin said. "I want to thank CC for that trade. It made up for all of the bad ones I've made."
Mayor Tom Barrett, clad in a CC Sabathia t-shirt, along with his occasional sparring partner, County Executive Scott Walker took part in the festivities, as did former Brewers Jerry Augustine, Gorman Thomas and Jim Gantner.
Barrett's 15-year-old son, Tommy, was in line at 6:30 a.m. Sunday to get Uecker Seats for the clinching game. He said that the Brewers would give everybody in Milwaukee something to feel good about.
"This is pure, unadulterated joy for baseball fans," Barrett said. "People wait for this [in spring] and here we are in autumn, and we're still hoping."
Barrett got in touch with Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter earlier Monday and laid down a wager with his counterpart: if the Brewers win, Nutter will send some Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches to Milwaukee. Should Philly win, Barrett will ship some Milwaukee bratwurst to the City of Brotherly Love.
