Brewers Celebrate National League Central Division Title
ST. LOUIS – The celebration was total. Christian Yelich, soaked in prosecco and beer, enjoyed the satisfaction of obtaining the third consecutive title of the National League Central Division for the Milwaukee Brewers.With the best record in baseball, the Brewers won their fourth division title in the last five seasons, but they feel like the underdogs heading into the playoffs.“This is why”, Yelich said after the Brewers clinched the title, courtesy of the Cubs’ 1-0 loss in Cincinnati. “This is what you work hard for all year. Why we pay attention to detail, why there is demand during the season, why you keep pushing yourself and why you try to improve, it’s for these moments: the fact that you can celebrate with your teammates”.
Christian Yelich
Milwaukee lost Willy Adames in free agency and traded closer Devin Williams in the offseason. In addition, it was unclear what contributions veterans Brandon Woodruff (shoulder surgery) and Yelich (back) could make. Both could have been key players, although Woodruff’s status for the postseason is in doubt after he was placed on the injured list on Sunday with what the team described as a moderate lat strain.“In baseball, any team can beat anyone, especially in short series. Obviously, we won’t be the favorites. Everyone is going to point out our doubts and how there are other teams that have more experienced players and, on paper, super talented rosters,” Yelich commented. “But I think that gives our team freedom. Nobody thinks you’re going to be able to achieve this. So go out and play.”
Christian Yelich
Since 2018, the Brewers have lost in the wild card round four times, in the divisional series once, and in the National League Championship Series once. The franchise’s only championship was in 1982.“Are we the most talented? No. Are we going to face much more talented teams with four times the payroll? Sure, but this team doesn’t mind,” said manager Pat Murphy.
Pat Murphy
After losing 5-1 to St. Louis, the Brewers had to wait less than half an hour before the Cubs’ game ended. The team put on navy blue “division champions” t-shirts, sprayed bottles of ice-cold prosecco, and poured cans of beer over their heads. A blue flag with the signature of the late announcer Bob Uecker hung in the visitors’ locker room. Owner Mark Attanasio suggested there was some “Brewers magic or Uecker magic” on this team.“I heard someone say that we have the regular season figured out, now we have to figure out the playoffs. That’s one of the most absurd comments I’ve heard,” Murphy said, emphasizing his team’s work.
Pat Murphy
“It’s really the culture. We show up every spring training with the goal of winning the division,” said Sal Frelick, in his third year with Milwaukee. “So, it’s been great. I’m lucky to be able to do it every year.”
Sal Frelick
The Brewers were at their best during a 29-4 run in July and August, turning a four-game deficit into a dominant nine-game lead in the division.“When we started the year, nobody thought we would be here at this point. Obviously, we’ve had our share of injuries. Nobody could have imagined that we would be in this place right now,” Woodruff commented.
Brandon Woodruff
Last year, they won the Central by 10 games before losing the wild-card series to the Mets, dropping the decisive Game 3 after Williams blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning. For Murphy, who took over as Milwaukee’s coach before this past season, that’s the fickle nature of the playoffs.“We’ve done a great job as a group to get to this point,” Woodruff stated. “And you know what? There’s still a lot of baseball left for the Brewers.”
Brandon Woodruff
“It takes a lot of things to go right, and sometimes having great talent helps,” Murphy said. “I don’t worry about this team, and I don’t worry about what anyone says about this team. I get to live it every day and see how special they are.”
Pat Murphy
