Willy Adames’ return to Milwaukee, facing his former team, seemed like something out of a movie, although the ending was not what the San Francisco Giants shortstop had hoped for. Adames, who played at American Family Field for the first time since leaving the Brewers, hit two home runs on Friday, including one on the first pitch he saw. It felt like a movie. As if someone had written it in a book, that’s how it felt. Despite Adames’ outstanding performance, the Giants lost 5-4 to the Brewers, with a home run by William Contreras in the ninth inning sealing the victory. Adames, who helped the Brewers reach three postseasons between 2021 and 2024, before signing with the Giants for a seven-year, $182 million contract, remains well-liked by fans and his former teammates in Milwaukee. The fans, with a full stadium, gave him a warm welcome, with standing ovations during a tribute video before the game and when he stepped up to the plate for the first time. Adames wore a yellow sleeve on his right arm, in honor of the Brewers, who wear blue and gold. He greeted the fans before his first home run in the first inning.
In the first episode, Adames connected on a pitch from José Quintana, sending the ball 419 feet over the left field fence. He added another home run in the eighth inning against Aaron Ashby.It was very nice to see that they care for me so much. They know I feel the same way about them.
Willy Adames
There was definitely a special vibe in the air.
Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager
Adames also praised the Brewers’ speed, which allows them to compensate for their relative lack of power. The Brewers were 18th in home runs (136), but second in runs scored (658). Adames enjoyed his return to Milwaukee so much that he visited the home locker room and greeted Murphy on Friday afternoon. This visit to Milwaukee is even more special because it coincides with the weekend the Brewers honor announcer Bob Uecker with a life celebration ceremony before Sunday’s game. Adames recalled his favorite moments with Uecker, highlighting his “incredible energy” and his father’s friendship with him, despite the language barrier.Everyone is ready to be ‘the man’. Not just Yelich, Contreras, or Chourio. Everyone.
Willy Adames
Adames was named the team’s Most Valuable Player by the Milwaukee chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2021 and 2022. In his last season with Milwaukee, Adames set personal records with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs.It made me appreciate it more. He accepted my family even though they didn’t speak the same language. They sent each other gifts. I was like, ‘How do they love each other so much? I don’t understand. What’s going on here?’
Willy Adames
In his first year in San Francisco, Adames has not produced at a similar rate, batting .224 with an on-base percentage of .312, 22 home runs and 65 RBIs in 127 games. San Francisco manager Bob Melvin said the Giants are happy with Adames’ performance.I feel that even the first year I arrived here, the Brewers fans welcomed me as if I were part of them, as if I had grown up with the team. They accepted me from day one. They gave me love from day one and never stopped doing it. Even when I had a bad year in ’23, they still loved me. They still gave me love and still supported me. That made the relationship special.
Willy Adames
He has meant a lot to this team, not only on the field and what he does playing every day, the production you get, but also the energy he brings every day. Everyone knows what it’s about. He’s a great teammate. He has shown up from day one for us and has been a great signing for us.
Bob Melvin, San Francisco Manager
