Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day Ignites Passion Among Fans
For many baseball enthusiasts in Milwaukee, Opening Day with the Brewers is more than just a game; it’s a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of summer and unites the community in celebration.
Richard Plautz, a 67-year-old from Milton, has been attending Brewers’ Opening Day games since 1977. For him, the event is significant enough to warrant a public holiday. “It should be a holiday,” Plautz insists. “It really should.”
Thousands of fans, including Plautz, gathered in anticipation on Thursday, tailgating hours before the game commenced at American Family Field. “This just kind of gets your juices going and just makes you feel like man, this is Wisconsin, this is MLB baseball,” Plautz expressed. “It’s a great day, it’s a fun day.”
Arriving early at the parking lot was Jordan Pearson from West Bend, who humorously noted their unusual punctuality. “I’m always late to everything, so this is a first,” Pearson admitted. While many enjoyed traditional tailgate foods like hot dogs and burgers, Pearson opted for breakfast fare, including eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns, along with the quintessential brats. “It’s like just the kickoff of summer,” Pearson said, adding that a day at the ballpark is the perfect way to start the season.
Families also traveled from afar to join in the festivities. Kacy Kliment, a Wisconsin native living in Columbus, Ohio, attended with his 4-year-old son. A veteran of over 20 Opening Days, Kliment is now sharing the tradition with the next generation. “I just love it, it’s the start of summer,” Kliment remarked, acknowledging the brisk weather. “It’s the start of baseball.”
The previous season was remarkable for the Brewers, achieving a franchise record of 97 wins, though they were unable to advance past the National League Championship Series. Kliment’s son optimistically predicts the team will win 100 games this year. “We’ll see if he’s got that right this year,” Kliment said.
Alonzo Grayson from Milwaukee shares a perpetual optimism for the team’s success each season. “I’m a Brewer fan, man, we think we’re going to go all the way every year,” Grayson commented. Despite past playoff disappointments, he remains hopeful for a turnaround this year.
Rick Schlesinger, president of business operations for the Brewers, highlighted exciting developments at the ballpark, including new food options and a renovated kids zone. He noted that tailgating is ingrained in the fan culture. “Fans love the communal aspects of tailgating,” Schlesinger said. “It’s fun. And even when the weather is not quite 75 and sunny, people come out and tailgate. They love to grill the brats and have fun and toss the baseball around.”
