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Over more than four decades, the Milwaukee Brewers have seen significant changes, yet many of their cherished traditions have remained remarkably intact. This Friday, October 23, the Brewers will host Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, marking the first Fall Classic in Milwaukee since 1982.
The new ballpark stands adjacent to the site of County Stadium, the old multi-purpose venue that occasionally hosted Packers games and where fans once watched Robin Yount, soon to be named AL MVP, ride his motorcycle onto the field after a heartbreaking seven-game loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1982 World Series. Since that moment, the Brewers have switched leagues, moved on from the Selig family's ownership, and become a perennial postseason contender, all while carrying a rich tapestry of lore to their new home.
From songs to sausages, statues to slides, Brewers culture will be on full display during the World Series. Here's a guide to some of the most iconic elements:
Bernie Brewer and His Slide
Bernie Brewer, the team's mascot, is a character with a twirly mustache and a penchant for beer, often found in his dugout high above left field. When a Brewer hits a home run, Bernie descends a windy slide, much to the delight of fans. While fans can pay to take the slide themselves, they should beware: it can end painfully. In the past, Bernie's slide ended with a splash into a giant beer stein.
Bernie's Bavarian Chalet
From 1973 to 2000, Bernie Brewer's Bavarian chalet was a center field fixture at County Stadium, complete with a slide that ended in a giant beer stein. When the Brewers moved to Miller Park, the chalet was left behind. Lakefront Brewery purchased it for over $15,000, and it now resides at the restaurant along the Milwaukee River. Fans can dine inside and sign their names on the interior, similar to the Green Monster at Fenway Park.
The Famous Racing Sausages
Long before other teams introduced mascot races, the Brewers started their sausage race, first in animated form at County Stadium. Eventually, live races featuring humans in costumes of Brat, Polish, Italian, Hot Dog, and Chorizo became a staple. On July 9, 2003, a memorable incident occurred when Pirates first baseman Randall Simon took a bat to the Italian sausage, portrayed by 19-year-old Mandy Wagner, knocking her over. Simon was fined and suspended, but Wagner was unharmed. Since then, the race has generally gone smoothly.
'Roll Out the Barrel'
Every seventh-inning stretch at American Family Field, fans join in singing "Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel)," with lyrics displayed on the big screen. The tradition is so beloved that even Marquette University's bell tower played the tune recently. The Brewers' connection to their theme song is strong, adding to the ballpark's lively atmosphere.
Bob Uecker's Statues
Bob Uecker, the legendary Brewers broadcaster, passed away at 90 on January 16, 2025, after a 54-year career calling games, including his final two while battling small cell lung cancer. His legacy is honored with two statues at American Family Field: one outside alongside Robin Yount, Hank Aaron, and Bud Selig, and another inside, high in the obstructed-view seats—a nod to his famous Miller Lite commercial where he is relocated to the upper deck. Uecker's charisma and fame, from his playing days to his role as Harry Doyle in Major League, left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city.
This World Series provides a perfect opportunity to appreciate Uecker's contributions and the unique culture of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Originally reported by yahoo.