Brewers Induct Gene Conley Into Braves Honor Roll at Miller Park

The Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association inducted Gene Conley into the Braves Honor Roll today at Miller Park.

Conley pitched for the Milwaukee Braves from 1954 – 1958 and his Major League career lasted from 1952 – 1963.  He was a member of the 1957 Braves World Series Championship team and a three-time MLB All-Star.  In five of his 11 MLB seasons, Conley recorded ten or more wins and finished his career with a 91-96 record and 3.82 ERA.  With the Milwaukee Braves, Conley was 42-43 with a 3.56 ERA.

Although Conley couldn’t travel to Milwaukee to today’s event, there were a number of former Braves in attendance today.  Felix Mantilla, Ray Crone and Frank Thomas were all in attendance in addition to members of the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association: Bud Lea and Bob Buege.

“Gene has been my friend for many, many years and he is a great man,” Mantilla said.  ”He was a very gifted athlete as we all know but he was a great teammate.  He is deserving of this honor.”

Felix Mantilla speaks at today's event.

Felix Mantilla speaks at today’s event.

There are now 12 members of the Milwaukee Braves Honor Roll, which also includes Warren Spahn (2004), Johnny Logan (2005), Andy Pafko (2006), Bobby Thomson (2008), Bob Uecker (2009), Felix Mantilla (2010), Eddie Mathews (2010), Joe Adcock (2011), Frank Torre (2011), Del Crandall (2012) and Hank Aaron (2012).

Conley has the distinction of being the only player to win championships in two of the four major American sports.  Conley also played with the Boston Celtics (1952-53, 1958-61) and New York Knicks (1962-64) of the NBA and was a member of three NBA World Championship teams (1959, 1960 and 1961) with the Celtics.  Conley’s wife, Kathryn, wrote a book on her husband’s life called “One of a Kind.”  The book chronicles his unique career, a career that might never be matched.

Here is the video that Conley sent for the presentation.  It features a great interview as well as some unique action footage of Conley pitching for the Braves:

It is great to have an organization that appreciates the history of Milwaukee baseball like the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association.  There were a lot of great stories tossed around at today’s event and I’m thankful to have been a part of it.  The partnership that the Brewers have with the historical group is great and ensures that the memories of that beloved team will never die.  I urge fans to check out the Braves Wall of Honor the next time you are at Miller Park.  It is located on the Field Level between Home Plate and Third Base on the Concourse.

Gene Conley's plaque on the Braves Honor Roll at Miller Park.

Gene Conley’s plaque on the Braves Honor Roll at Miller Park.

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

There is Still Time to Sign Up for the BCF 5K Famous Racing Sausages Run/Walk

The Brewers Community Foundation’s 15th Annual 5K Famous Racing Sausages Run/Walk will be held at Miller Park on Saturday, July 20, starting at 8 a.m. and there is still time to sign up! All participants must be pre-registered and it is recommended that those interested register early for this event.LOGO-BCF-5kThe unique feature of this event is that participants actually get to test their skills against the Klement’s Famous Racing SausagesTM, who also run the course. The run will begin and end at the Klement’s Sausage Haus where the Brat, Hot Dog, Chorizo, Italian Sausage and Polish Sausage join the crowd on the course. The route also makes its way around the warning track of Miller Park. Brewers coaching assistant/digital media coordinator Joe Crawford will be the honorary starter for this year’s event.

Brewers 5K 5KWienerRace12RS143

For the $30 registration fee, participants in the Run/Walk receive a commemorative t-shirt, a Terrace Reserved ticket voucher good for one of eight Brewers 2013 home games, a bottle of Aquafina water, a Klement’s hot dog and a beer for participants 21 and older. The overall top male finisher and the overall top female finisher also receive a year’s worth of Klement’s meat products.

This year, the fundraising component returns as participants and fans are again encouraged to help raise additional funds to benefit Fisher House Wisconsin, a “home away from home” for military and veterans’ families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease, or injury at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. . When registering to participate, fans will also be able to set up a fundraising page to help raise funds for Fisher House Wisconsin.  Fundraising incentive levels start at $100 and increase incrementally to the Grand Prize, which includes a 2013 Brewers Team autographed baseball and an opportunity to throw out a first pitch.  The top prize is awarded to the highest fundraiser that raises over $5,000.

Any questions regarding the 5K Famous Racing Sausages Run/Walk or the fundraising component can be directed to Meredith Malone at meredith.malone@brewers.com. Follow @BrewersCF on Twitter and use the hashtag #SAUSAGE5K.

-Cait

JohnandCait@Brewers.com

Brewers Fan Cave Fandidates Throw Out Ceremonial First Pitch(es)

Today, we were proud to honor our 2013 Brewers MLB Fan Cave Fandidates, Peter Gourlie and Kevin Kimmes.

Although they were ultimately not chosen to enter the MLB Fan Cave, Peter and Kevin represented us well in the contestant search this spring and we’re very proud that we have such dedicated Brewers fans.

To honor them and thank them for their hard work and dedication, we brought them out to throw ceremonial first pitches prior to the Brewers vs. Cardinals game today.

Brewers pitcher Brandon Kintzler, who played a role in Pete’s original Fan Cave submission video, was on hand, along with pitcher John Axford, to catch those pitches.

Take a look at the gallery below for some photos from today:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

Thanks again, Pete & Kevin! It was a pleasure getting to know you this year and I look forward to staying in touch!

Cheers,

Cait

johnandcait@brewers.com

What John and Cait Ate: Bernie’s Blends Fruit Smoothies

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

-Yogi Berra

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it…and try these concessions!”

-John & Cait

Bernie’s Blends Fruit Smoothies

During each homestand, we will be meeting with John DiMartini, Executive Chef at Delaware North Sportservice/Miller Park to sample some of the latest and greatest Miller Park fare and review it here, for you.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie -$5.50

IMG_4651

It’s been a cool start to the baseball season in Milwaukee, there is no arguing with that fact. Lately, though, spring is in the air, the temperatures are rising, and nothing sounds more refreshing than a fresh fruit smoothie. Brand new to Miller Park this year, the “Bernie’s Blends” cart is located down the right-field line outside section 112.  With four different options to choose from, the options will leave something for every one. We know we often push some outrageous food items here on occasion (Remember the ”Giant Slugger!?”), but it is good to know that there really is something for everyone to enjoy at Miller Park.

To start, choose a yogurt base or a frozen orange juice base. The fruit options include either a mixed berry blend that includes frozen strawberries, raspberries and blueberries or a strawberry-banana blend. The smoothie is blended fresh while you wait and is served in a 16 ounce cup.

Cait: I love smoothies, so this is a welcome addition to the selection at Miller Park; undoubtedly, these will be a hit during the hot summer months. I gravitated toward the mixed berry & yogurt combination and it was delicious. Very creamy and smooth and I liked that I felt like I was making a healthy choice. I highly recommend that you check out Bernie’s Blends next time you’re at the ballpark on a warm summer day.

John: Often at home, I throw all sorts of fruit in the blender and see what happens.  I find the fresh fruit and yogurt blend to be a delicious and refreshing healthy treat and it is great that you can now get one here at the ballpark. If you are ever in the mood for something a little on the healthy side while at a Brewers game, this will definitely do the trick. Perfect consistency and flavor and just the right amount. I started with the yogurt blend and then mixed berries. I will definitely be back to try all the different combinations.

Rating:

(out of 5)

Where To Satisfy Your Craving: Fans can find the Bernie’s Blends on the Field Level just outside section 112.

What about you? Do you have a favorite ballpark snack? A question about concessions? Something you’d like to see featured here? Post your comments below!

Bon Appetit!

-John and Cait

johnandcait@brewers.com

We’re Number One… Because of YOU!

We just received some terrific news–John and Cait… Plus 9  was the top MLB Pro Blog for the month of April! This is quite the honor, especially when you consider all of the other awesome MLBlogs that are out there, like Keith Olbermann’s Baseball Nerd Blog and Jamie Ramsey’s Better Off Red, just to name a couple.

But really, the kudos goes to you! Thank you for reading the blog.  It was a busy April for us and we hope to continue to be the place for an inside look at the Brewers. We would not be number one without our readers, so to celebrate, we thought we’d do a fun giveaway with trivia related to the blog.

The first person to answer the following questions in the comment field below will win a prize package consisting of:

Blog Prize

Ready? Here’s what you need to answer–three questions designed for you to go back through our archives!

  • We started our “What John and Cait Ate…” concession review series in 2011.  Name one of three foods that we reviewed in our first post.
  • Cait recently reviewed Haudricourt’s new Brewers book, but what was the book she reviewed last year?
  • We ran in the Brewers Mini last year and tracked our progress on the blog. What was John’s finishing time?

UPDATE:Looks like we already have our winner, wow that was fast! Congrats, Brad. Thanks again to everyone for reading!

Good luck!

Thanks again for reading, it has truly been a pleasure to be able to engage with all of you and we can’t wait to see some of you on Social Media Night, coming up on May 28. We love your feedback as well. Please continue to let us know your comments, criticisms and ideas as we continue to provide our own behind-the-scenes look at Brewers baseball.
Cheers!
John and Cait

John andCait@Brewers.com

Double Clutch Menu for the Cardinals Series – Beef Barbacoa Tacos

A four-game weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals begins tonight at Miller Park.  With that, we have a new food item at the Double Clutch stand on the Loge Level at Miller Park.

On the menu for the Cardinals series: Beef Barbacoa Tacos.  Two soft shell tacos featuring slow braised beef chuck roast, smoked here at Miller Park.  Topped with a green chipotle aioli and onions and served with cilantro rice and pickled veggies.  The aioli is delicious and the beef is fresh and very tasty.  The tacos can be a bit messy, so don’t forget a fork.  This meal is $10.

Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Beef Barbacoa Tacos

The Spaghetti-in-a-Meatball is also again available featuring a 1/2 pound beef and veal meatball stuffed with spaghetti and mozzarella cheese and topped with marinara sauce.  This is a favorite of mine and is $9.

The Double Clutch stand is on the Loge Level outside section 215 (on the first base side of the press box).

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

Tom Haudricourt to Sign Copies of “100 Things Brewers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die” on May 8

Milwaukee Brewers beat writer Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will sign copies of his book, “100 Things Brewers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,” on Wednesday, May 8.  The book signing will take place at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic, located inside Miller Park’s Hot Corner, from noon – 1 p.m.

The book includes a foreword by former Brewers second baseman Jim Gantner and you can read my review here. (Spoiler alert: I liked it–a lot.) Copies of the book are available for purchase at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic for $15.

100 Things Brewers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die

Haudricourt Signing

-Cait

JohnandCait@brewers.com

Get Your Tickets Now for Brewers Special Events!

As you know, there’s always something fun brewing at Miller Park. Throughout the course of our season , we create several unique ticket offers that bring together Brewers fans who share a common interest.  With a variety of Special Events such as Singles Night, Stitch N’ Pitch Night and Educator Days, fans are sure to find fun and excitement all year. Here is just a taste of some of these ticket offers:

Educator Days

All educators save up to 50% on select seats for the May 7, May 8, July 22, July 23 and July 25 Brewers home games at Miller Park.

Brewing a Cure

On May 20, we’re Brewing a Cure. Support breast cancer research by coming out to Miller Park to see your Milwaukee Brewers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:10 p.m. Terrace Reserved tickets are just $18 each and $9 of every ticket sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society for the fight against Breast Cancer.

Stitch N’ Pitch Night

On June 4, join fellow needle artists for the 7th annual Stitch N’ Pitch Night at Miller Park as the Brewers take on the Oakland A’s at 7:10 p.m.  Fans can purchase a seat in the special Stitch N’ Pitch sections, starting at just $27. The first 1,000 needle artists to buy tickets and attend Stitch N’ Pitch Night at Miller Park will receive a free special edition Brewers Stitch N’ Pitch Hot Dog Bobblehead. To purchase tickets, visit brewers.com/stitch.

 

Healthcare Days

Healthcare workers will enjoy up to $10 savings on select seating locations for the September 2, September 13 and September 18 Brewers homes games at Miller Park.

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day

On September 17, join in on our Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration as the Brewers take on the Chicago Cubs at 7:10 p.m. This special ticket package includes a Loge Bleacher ticket to the game, plus a unique Brewers Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Pint for the first 500 purchasers, all for just $22.

With something for everyone, great ticket savings and exciting Brewers Baseball, you won’t want to miss out., so check out brewers.com/specialevents for details; this page is updated with new offers throughout the season.

-Cait

JohnandCait@brewers.com

John and Cait Present…”Social Media in the Media” Night at Miller Park on May 28

It’s John and Cait here and we’re excited to tell you that we’re bringing back Social Media Night for 2013!

On Tuesday, May 28 prior to the Brewers vs. Twins game we’ll be hosting John and Cait present…”Social Media in the Media” Night (#BrewersSMIM) at Miller Park!

For just $59, fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets in the ATI Club and the tickets will include a special pregame panel/roundtable discussion featuring representatives from the local media. We’ll discuss how social media has changed the news cycle and the business of reporting. Tickets are available at brewers.com/socialmedianight.

You’ll hear from:

  • Tom Haudricourt @Haudricourt ) Brewers beat writer for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • Sophia Minnaert ( @SophiaMinnaert ) Milwaukee Brewers & Bucks Sideline Reporter for FSWisconsin
  • Vince Vitrano ( @VinceVitrano ) WTMJ “Live at Daybreak” anchor
  • …and more!

Plus! Enjoy a special visit from a Brewers player!

We’ll be your hosts for the event and it will take place in our Media Interview Room, so you’ll also get to go behind-the-scenes at Miller Park.

Tickets for the ATI Club are typically only available for group purchase, but through “Social Media in the Media” Night, we’re giving fans this special opportunity to purchase them individually. The tickets also include a pre-game buffet that begins when the Miller Park gates open and ends one hour after the first pitch, plus unlimited soft drinks and two beers per adult.

Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions at the event, but if there are any questions you’d like to submit ahead of time, please e-mail us at johnandcait@brewers.com.

This event is in follow up to last year’s Social Media in Sports Night. That event sold out very quickly and we expect this year’s to do the same, so you’ll want to purchase your tickets early since the event will be limited to approximately 60 fans. Visit brewers.com/socialmedianight for more information and stay tuned to the blog for updates!

We hope to see you there!

-John (@JStein1981) and Cait (@CMoyer)

Brewers Win, You Win! Returns for 2013

This month we’re bringing back the unique “Brewers Win, You Win!” promotion. Every Brewers victory between May 1 and May 30 will result in $1 off a Terrace Box ticket for the June 3 – 5 series vs. the Oakland Athletics. The more games the Brewers win, the more money you’ll save!

The regular price for a Terrace Box seat is $24.  Every time the Brewers win a game through May 30, another $1 comes off the price of the ticket.  There are 27 Brewers games between today and May 30.

MB-13-BrewersWin-You-Win-social

In recent years, “Brewers Win, You Win!” has proven to be one of the most popular promotions for the team.  Last year, 11 wins in April resulted in a savings of $11 on Terrace Box seats. The 17 Brewers wins in May of 2011 gave Brewers fans a savings of $17 per ticket. The Brewers won a franchise record 18 wins in May of 2009 which resulted in a $10 ticket for fans.

Tickets for this promotion will go on sale beginning Friday, May 31 at 9 a.m. at the Brewers Box Office, by phone at (414) 902-4000, or by visiting brewers.com/winwin.

Fans can purchase a maximum of eight Terrace Box tickets at the reduced price for the June 3 – 5 series against the Athletics.  The actual price of the tickets cannot exceed free.  There will be a limited supply of discounted tickets available and service charges will apply to phone and online orders.

For additional information and updates throughout the month on the cost of the tickets, please visit brewers.com/winwin.

 -Cait

JohnandCait@brewers.com

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 216 other followers