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Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team)
Encyclopedia
The Milwaukee Brewers were a Minor League Baseball
team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
. They played in the American Association
from 1902 through 1952.
, which would last 50 years and provide the city's springboard into the major leagues.
Brewers moved to St. Louis and became the St. Louis Browns
.
The Brewers won their first American Association championship in 1913 and repeated the next year. More than 20 years would pass before they claimed another with a 90-64 club in 1936 as an affiliate in the Detroit Tigers organization. In 1944, the team won the championship again, and three years later, the Brewers became a farm team of the Boston Braves. Although this move eventually paved the way for the team’s demise, in the short run it led directly to Milwaukee’s final two league championships--one in 1951 when they also won the Junior World Series, followed by an even better team the next year.
(son of former Chicago Cubs
president William Veeck Sr.) in a partnership with former Cubs star Charlie Grimm
. Under Veeck's ownership, the Brewers would become one of the most colorful squads in baseball and Veeck would be become one of the game's premiere showmen. Constantly creating new promotional gimmicks, Veeck gave away live animals, scheduled morning games for wartime night shift workers, staged weddings at home plate, and even sent Grimm a birthday cake containing a much-needed left-handed pitcher.
When Grimm was hired as the manager of the Cubs, he recommended that Casey Stengel
be hired to replace him. Veeck was opposed to the idea - Stengel had little success in his previous managerial stints with the Dodgers and Braves - but as Veeck was stationed overseas in the Marine Corps, Grimm won out. The club went on to win the 1944 American Association pennant, and Stengel's managerial career was resurrected.
In 1945, after winning three pennants in five years, Veeck sold his interest in the Brewers for a $275,000 profit.
back to Milwaukee in the late 1940s, but his move was vetoed by the other American League owners.
The city of Milwaukee, hoping to attract a major league club, constructed Milwaukee County Stadium
for the 1953 season. The Brewers were set to move in, until Spring Training of 1953, when Lou Perini
moved his Boston Braves
to Milwaukee. The Brewers moved to Toledo, where they became the next incarnation of the Toledo Mud Hens
. The new Mud Hens continued their winning ways, claiming an American Association
pennant in their first season in Ohio.
Milwaukee Brewers
, which took its name from the 1902-1952 club.
After the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, local automobile dealer and Braves part-owner Bud Selig
created a group to lobby for a new major league club in Milwaukee. As a name for his group, he chose "Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Inc.", after the American Association club he grew up watching. As a logo, he chose the Beer Barrel Man
in navy and red - traditional Brewers colors.
When Selig bought the one year-old Seattle Pilots franchise in the spring of 1970, he moved them to Milwaukee and they officially became the "new" major-league Milwaukee Brewers
. The club continued to use the Beer Barrel Man as the team's primary logo until 1978. Recently, it has seen a resurgence on throwback merchandise, and been featured on several stadium promotions.
became an annual event, the American Association pennant winners scheduled postseason minor league championship series against the champions of other leagues. For the Brewers' first two championships, these were held against the Denver Grizzlies of the Western League
and Birmingham Barons
of the Southern Association
.
and the International League
. For the 1936 season, the American Association introduced a Shaughnessy playoff between the league champions and three runners-up to determine the league's representative.
During its 51-year tenure in the American Association, Milwaukee played in the same ballpark. Originally constructed in 1888, it was located in the North side of Milwaukee on a rectangular city block with the main entrance on Chambers St. between Eighth and Ninth Streets. It had abnormally short foul lines, 268 feet to left and right. The fences then angled out sharply, making for deep "power alleys" and center field was 400 feet from home plate. It was known as Athletic Park until 1928 when it was re-named Borchert Field
in honor of Brewers owner Otto Borchert, who had died the previous year. The Polo Grounds
had a similar, but larger, configuration.
Borchert Field was also the first Milwaukee home park for the Green Bay Packers
, who played the New York Giants
on Oct. 1, 1933. The following year, the Packers moved their Milwaukee games to the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds.
Interstate 43
now runs through where Borchert Field once stood.
Notable managers
Notable players
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
. They played in the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
from 1902 through 1952.
A Milwaukee Tradition
The nickname "Brewers" has been used by baseball teams since at least the 1880s, although none of the early clubs ever enjoyed a measure of success or stability. That would change with Milwaukee's entry into the American AssociationAmerican Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
, which would last 50 years and provide the city's springboard into the major leagues.
The American Association
The American Association Milwaukee Brewers were founded in 1902, after the American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Brewers moved to St. Louis and became the St. Louis Browns
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
The Brewers won their first American Association championship in 1913 and repeated the next year. More than 20 years would pass before they claimed another with a 90-64 club in 1936 as an affiliate in the Detroit Tigers organization. In 1944, the team won the championship again, and three years later, the Brewers became a farm team of the Boston Braves. Although this move eventually paved the way for the team’s demise, in the short run it led directly to Milwaukee’s final two league championships--one in 1951 when they also won the Junior World Series, followed by an even better team the next year.
Bill Veeck and Jolly Cholly
In 1941 the club was purchased by Bill VeeckBill Veeck
William Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
(son of former Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
president William Veeck Sr.) in a partnership with former Cubs star Charlie Grimm
Charlie Grimm
Charles John Grimm , nicknamed "Jolly Cholly", was a first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Chicago Cubs; he was also a sometime radio broadcaster, and a popular goodwill ambassador for baseball...
. Under Veeck's ownership, the Brewers would become one of the most colorful squads in baseball and Veeck would be become one of the game's premiere showmen. Constantly creating new promotional gimmicks, Veeck gave away live animals, scheduled morning games for wartime night shift workers, staged weddings at home plate, and even sent Grimm a birthday cake containing a much-needed left-handed pitcher.
When Grimm was hired as the manager of the Cubs, he recommended that Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel
Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel , nicknamed "The Old Perfessor", was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in ....
be hired to replace him. Veeck was opposed to the idea - Stengel had little success in his previous managerial stints with the Dodgers and Braves - but as Veeck was stationed overseas in the Marine Corps, Grimm won out. The club went on to win the 1944 American Association pennant, and Stengel's managerial career was resurrected.
In 1945, after winning three pennants in five years, Veeck sold his interest in the Brewers for a $275,000 profit.
The coming of the Braves
Milwaukee had long been coveted by major league teams looking for a new home. Bill Veeck himself tried to relocate the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
back to Milwaukee in the late 1940s, but his move was vetoed by the other American League owners.
The city of Milwaukee, hoping to attract a major league club, constructed Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Stadium
Milwaukee County Stadium was a ballpark in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1953 to 2000. It was primarily used as a baseball stadium for the Milwaukee Braves and Brewers, but was also used for football games, ice skating, religious services, concerts and other large events...
for the 1953 season. The Brewers were set to move in, until Spring Training of 1953, when Lou Perini
Lou Perini
Louis R. Perini was the principal owner of the Boston/Milwaukee Braves of the National League from through . In 1945, he purchased the club from Bob Quinn, and he moved the club to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the season after complaining of poor attendance and revenue in Boston...
moved his Boston Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
to Milwaukee. The Brewers moved to Toledo, where they became the next incarnation of the Toledo Mud Hens
Toledo Mud Hens
The Toledo Mud Hens are a minor league baseball team located in Toledo, Ohio. The Mud Hens play in the International League, and are affiliated with the major league baseball team the Detroit Tigers, based approximately 50 miles to the north of Toledo. The current team is one of several...
. The new Mud Hens continued their winning ways, claiming an American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
pennant in their first season in Ohio.
Legacy - Return of the Brewers
The legacy of the American Association Milwaukee Brewers continues in the major leagueMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, which took its name from the 1902-1952 club.
After the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, local automobile dealer and Braves part-owner Bud Selig
Bud Selig
Allan Huber "Bud" Selig is the ninth and current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, having served in that capacity since 1992 as the acting commissioner, and as the official commissioner since 1998...
created a group to lobby for a new major league club in Milwaukee. As a name for his group, he chose "Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Inc.", after the American Association club he grew up watching. As a logo, he chose the Beer Barrel Man
Beer Barrel Man
The Beer Barrel Man is a mascot logo first used in the 1940s by the Milwaukee Brewers, a Minor League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
in navy and red - traditional Brewers colors.
When Selig bought the one year-old Seattle Pilots franchise in the spring of 1970, he moved them to Milwaukee and they officially became the "new" major-league Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. The club continued to use the Beer Barrel Man as the team's primary logo until 1978. Recently, it has seen a resurgence on throwback merchandise, and been featured on several stadium promotions.
American Association championships
The Milwaukee Brewers won eight pennants in their fifty-one seasons:- 1913
- 1914
- 1936
- 1943
- 1944
- 1945
- 1951
- 1952
Championship series appearances
Before the Junior World SeriesJunior World Series
The Junior World Series was the name given to a postseason series between champions of two of the three high-minor baseball leagues, modeled on the World Series of Major League Baseball...
became an annual event, the American Association pennant winners scheduled postseason minor league championship series against the champions of other leagues. For the Brewers' first two championships, these were held against the Denver Grizzlies of the Western League
Western League (defunct minor league)
The Western League is a name given to several circuits in American minor league baseball. Its earliest progenitor, which existed from 1885 to 1899, was the predecessor of the American League...
and Birmingham Barons
Birmingham Barons
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club....
of the Southern Association
Southern Association
The Southern Association was a higher-level minor league in American organized baseball from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues; it was graded Class A , Class A1 and Class AA...
.
- 1913 - defeated Denver, 4 games to 2
- 1914 - defeated Birmingham, 4 games to 2
Junior World Series appearances
After 1919, the Junior World Series was held regularly between the American AssociationAmerican Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
and the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
. For the 1936 season, the American Association introduced a Shaughnessy playoff between the league champions and three runners-up to determine the league's representative.
- 1936 - defeated Buffalo, 4 games to 1
- 1947 - defeated Syracuse, 4 games to 3
- 1951 - defeated Montreal, 4 games to 2
Ballpark
Borchert Field
Borchert Field was a baseball park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was the home field for several professional baseball clubs for most of the years from 1888 through 1952....
in honor of Brewers owner Otto Borchert, who had died the previous year. The Polo Grounds
Polo Grounds
The Polo Grounds was the name given to four different stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City, used by many professional teams in both baseball and American football from 1880 until 1963...
had a similar, but larger, configuration.
Borchert Field was also the first Milwaukee home park for the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
, who played the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
on Oct. 1, 1933. The following year, the Packers moved their Milwaukee games to the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds.
Interstate 43
Interstate 43
Interstate 43 is a intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the U.S. state of Wisconsin, connecting Interstate 39 and Interstate 90 in Beloit with Milwaukee and U.S. Route 41 and U.S. Route 141 in Green Bay. I-43 is the 5th longest intrastate Interstate Highway of the Interstate...
now runs through where Borchert Field once stood.
Notable figures
Notable Owners- Bill VeeckBill VeeckWilliam Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
- Frederick MillerFrederick MillerFrederick Edward John Miller was a brewery owner who founded the Miller Brewing Company at the Plank Road Brewery in 1855. He learned the brewing business in Sigmaringen.Miller was born in Germany, and was married to Josephine Miller in Friedrichshafen, Germany on June 7, 1853...
Notable managers
- "Pongo Joe" CantillonJoe CantillonJoseph D. Cantillon , nicknamed "Pongo Joe," was an American manager and umpire in Major League Baseball during the first decade of the 20th century. He also was a longtime manager in minor league baseball...
- Nick Cullop
- Rip EganRip EganJohn Joseph "Rip" Egan was a professional baseball player throwing right-handed and later an umpire. Egan played seven seasons in professional baseball, including one in Major League Baseball. On April 30, 1894, Egan made his major league debut with the Washington Senators. In his only game, Egan...
- Charlie GrimmCharlie GrimmCharles John Grimm , nicknamed "Jolly Cholly", was a first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball best known for his years with the Chicago Cubs; he was also a sometime radio broadcaster, and a popular goodwill ambassador for baseball...
- Frank O'RourkeFrank O'Rourke (baseball)James Francis O'Rourke was a Canadian infielder in Major League Baseball. He played fourteen seasons in the major leagues with the Boston Braves , Brooklyn Robins , Washington Senators , Boston Red Sox , Detroit Tigers , and St...
- Casey StengelCasey StengelCharles Dillon "Casey" Stengel , nicknamed "The Old Perfessor", was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in ....
- Allen SothoronAllen SothoronAllen Sutton Sothoron was a spitball pitcher who spent 11 years in the major leagues, playing for the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and the St. Louis Cardinals. His best season came in 1919, where he went 20-13 with a 2.20 ERA. After the spitball was outlawed, he was one of...
- Red Smith
- Bucky WaltersBucky WaltersWilliam Henry "Bucky" Walters was an American Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Walters played for the Boston Braves , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds...
Notable players
- Nick AltrockNick AltrockNicholas Altrock was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Altrock was one of the better pitchers in baseball for a brief period from to with the Chicago White Sox...
- Bill BrutonBill BrutonWilliam Havon Bruton was a Major League Baseball center fielder who played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1953 through 1960, and for the Detroit Tigers in 1961 through 64. Bruton batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
- Gene ConleyGene ConleyDonald Eugene Conley is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eleven seasons from to for four different teams. Conley also played forward in the 1952-1953 season and from 1958 to 1964 for two teams in the National Basketball Association...
- Alvin DarkAlvin DarkAlvin Ralph Dark , nicknamed "Blackie" and "The Swamp Fox", is a former shortstop and manager in Major League Baseball who played for five National League teams from 1946 to 1960. Named the major leagues' Rookie of the Year with the Boston Braves when he batted .322...
- Jack DittmerJack DittmerJohn Douglas "Jack" Dittmer is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He played six seasons in the majors, from until , for the Boston and Milwaukee Braves and Detroit Tigers....
- Claude ElliottClaude Elliott (baseball)Claude Judson "Chaucer" Elliott was a professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher over parts of two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants. For his career, he compiled an 3-3 record in 22 appearances, with an 3.33 earned run average and 47 strikeouts...
- Happy FelschHappy FelschOscar Emil "Happy" Felsch was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago White Sox from 1915 to 1920. He is probably best known for his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal....
- Joe HauserJoe HauserJoseph John "Unser Choe" Hauser is a former professional baseball player who played first baseman in the major leagues from 1922–1929, with the Philadelphia Athletics and Cleveland Indians...
- Bill Herring
- Chet LaabsChet LaabsChester Peter Laabs was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Detroit Tigers , St. Louis Browns and Philadelphia Athletics...
- Don LiddleDon LiddleDonald Eugene Liddle was an American left-handed pitcher in professional baseball who played four seasons in the Major Leagues for the Milwaukee Braves, New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals from through...
- Wes LivengoodWes LivengoodWesley Amos Livengood was a major league baseball pitcher and minor league baseball manager including some time as a player-manager....
- Johnny LoganJohnny Logan (baseball player)John Logan, Jr. is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball. Logan was signed by the Boston Braves in 1947. He was a four-time All-Star and led the National League in doubles in 1955...
- Eddie MathewsEddie MathewsEdwin Lee "Eddie" Mathews was an American Major League Baseball third baseman. He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game.-Early life:...
- Gene MauchGene MauchGene William Mauch was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , Boston Braves , St...
- Stoney McGlynnStoney McGlynnUlysses Simpson Grant "Stoney" McGlynn , was a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1906-1908. He would play for the St. Louis Cardinals.-External links:...
- Hal PeckHal PeckHarold Arthur Peck was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1943 to 1949. He appeared in the 1948 World Series while a member of the Cleveland Indians. Born in Big Bend, Wisconsin, he died at age 77 in Milwaukee.-External links:...
- Newt RandallNewt RandallNewton John Randall was an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Boston Doves in 1907.-External links:...
- Ray SchalkRay SchalkRaymond William Schalk was a professional baseball player, coach, manager and scout. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox for the majority of his career. Known for his fine handling of pitchers and outstanding defensive ability, Schalk was considered the...
- Floyd SpeerFloyd SpeerFloyd Vernie Speer was an American professional baseball pitcher. He was born on January 27, 1913, in Booneville, Arkansas. He attended Booneville High School, where he starred in baseball. His twin brother, Bernie Loyd Speer, was often his catcher....
- Rollie StilesRollie StilesRolland Mays Stiles was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Browns from to . Born in Ratcliff, Arkansas, he batted and threw right-handed, and was 9-14 with an earned run average of 5.92 in his three seasons. Rollie attended Southeastern State...
- Jim ThorpeJim ThorpeJacobus Franciscus "Jim" Thorpe * Gerasimo and Whiteley. pg. 28 * americaslibrary.gov, accessed April 23, 2007. was an American athlete of mixed ancestry...
- Rudy YorkRudy YorkPreston Rudolph York was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Detroit Tigers , Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Athletics . York was born in Ragland, Alabama...
- Ed WalshEd WalshEdward Augustine Walsh was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He holds the record for lowest career ERA, 1.82.-Baseball career:Born in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, Walsh had a brief though remarkable major league career...