Brewers: The Secret of Success. Strategy, Talent, and Teamwork.

The Brewers’ Secret to Success: What’s Behind It?

The [Milwaukee Brewers](https://www.mlb.com/brewers) are racking up wins at a dizzying pace, outperforming many MLB teams, despite having one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. This has generated a recurring question: What is their secret? Within the Brewers organization, they insist there is no secret formula, but the key could lie in an internal game called “Check Game”.

It started in the coach’s room. To remind us that it’s not about us, but about the team. Anyone is the target.

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

The rules of the “Check Game” are simple: if you talk about your personal achievements, you get a “check”. If you defend yourself, you also get one. And if you blame others, another “check”.

And if you complain about a “check”, you get an even bigger “check”.

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

Even the owner, Mark Attanasio, is not exempt. The objective of this game is to unify the different departments of the organization, valuing each opinion and making it clear that the success of the team is above individual recognition.

The “Check Game” is a very important game within the locker room, the culture, and the team’s ecosystem.

Brian Anderson, Brewers Announcer

The atmosphere within the team is similar to that of a college locker room, where the manager, Pat Murphy, refers to the first and second-year players as “freshmen” and “sophomores”.

The Brewers can compete with the most powerful teams in the National League, who invest millions, thanks to the creation of this unique environment that fosters the “Check Game”. Murphy, at 66 years old, applies his methods of a college coach, where the emphasis is on the fundamentals and details of the game.

We laugh and say it’s the “Milwaukee Community College” because that’s how we play and that’s the type of players we have.

Christian Yelich, Brewers Player

Murphy doesn’t claim any secret, but he does highlight the importance of a group that competes and focuses on improving every day. Brian Anderson compares Murphy to Casey Stengel, for his phrases and leadership style. Murphy combines his teachings with a direct style that demands high standards.

He wants to win very badly. When he’s in the dugout, you’ll know if you did something wrong.

Christian Yelich, Brewers Player

Murphy’s style works thanks to the type of players the Brewers hire, communicative and direct.

The Brewers know they can’t compete with teams that spend big on signings, as their $114.5 million payroll puts them in 23rd place in the league. Given this situation, operating in a non-traditional way is crucial.

I wonder if we had more money to spend, would we make more mistakes?

Mark Attanasio, Brewers Owner

Attanasio highlights the model of the [St. Louis Cardinals](https://www.mlb.com/cardinals) under the leadership of Bill DeWitt, with a long-term vision. The general manager, Matt Arnold, is part of the continuity that has led the Brewers to success, working in the organization for a decade. Arnold focuses on “connecting” the different departments, merging data analysis, player acquisition, development, and on-field staff.

I think it’s one of the most important parts for me: making sure there’s empathy on all sides and that they work to improve each other, not against each other.

Matt Arnold, Brewers General Manager

The Brewers’ style of play became more evident with the new MLB rules in 2023, which emphasized speed and defense. The Brewers adapted quickly, leading the league in stolen bases and outs above average in the last three seasons.

The connection between the different departments has allowed the Brewers to find value in players who were not successful on other teams. An example of this is the acquisition of Quinn Priester, who changed his pitching strategy and became a key player. Another example is Andrew Vaughn, who, after a team change, showed great performance. The integration of new players is not only based on finding hidden talents, but also on the incorporation of relievers who stand out when arriving at American Family Field. Trevor Megill, Nick Mears, and Joel Payamps are examples of players who have found their best version in the Brewers. Isaac Collins, who arrived via the Rule 5 draft, has become a National League Rookie of the Year candidate.

That came from a pizza and talking about baseball.

Matt Arnold, Brewers General Manager

For the Brewers, success would not be possible without a group of veteran players leading the locker room. Yelich, Woodruff, and Peralta, who have been in Milwaukee since 2018, have helped keep the team’s motivation.

When you play against bigger markets, you always feel like you have something to prove.

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers Player

New players understand the Brewers’ style, which emphasizes speed, defense, and attention to detail.

It helps to play against the Brewers and see that mark from the outside. When you get here, the guys hold each other accountable for the little things.

Danny Jansen, Brewers Player

Although no one takes individual credit, the players highlight the importance of the details that define the Brewers. Yelich points to the exciting game they offer, full of spectacular plays. As September approaches, the Brewers head towards the end of the season, aiming to surpass 101 victories, which would break the franchise record. The big question is whether this style of play will allow them to reach the championship.

We play until the end, we play the whole game and try to create as much chaos and pressure as we can throughout nine innings and see what happens.

Christian Yelich, Brewers Player