Results tagged ‘ Milwaukee Brewers ’
Sneak Peek of Brewers 2013 Media Guide Cover
This is a new tradition we started last year in the Media Relations Department, giving fans a sneak peek at the cover of the media guide before the guide is actually released. Senior Director – Media Relations, Mike Vassallo, Coordinator – Media Relations, Ken Spindler and I have worked very hard on the guide since last October and now see the light at the end of the tunnel with the project. The guide is officially in the hands of Mario Ziino from Delzer Lithograph in hopes of getting it back in time for the first Spring Training game in a few weeks.
The 2013 Brewers Media Guide cover was created by Brewers Senior Graphic Designer, Jeff Harding. Last year, the Brewers had one of the most powerful offenses in Major League Baseball–leading the National League in runs scored (776), home runs (202) and stolen bases (158). It was the fifth time in franchise history that the team hit 200 home runs in a season. We focused on the offense as an inspiration and Harding and his crew in the Consumer Marketing Department really captured what we were looking for on the cover.
2013 Milwaukee Brewers Media Guide cover.
The 2013 Brewers Media Guide will sell for $15 in the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park by mid-March. We will also have copies available at the Brewers Team Store at Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix at Spring Training. The guide will also be available in .PDF form sometime in the next ten days. When that happens, I will certainly offer a link for everyone.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Getting to Know Your 2013 MLB Fan Cave Fandidates
Yesterday, I wrote about how MLB revealed the top 52 fans vying to be a contestant in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave–including two Brewers candidates (or FANdidates, as I like to call them), Peter Gourlie and Kevin Kimmes.
Now through Wednesday, February 13, fans can view video submissions from all 52 applicants on MLBFanCave.com and vote for their favorites.
Based on fan voting, quality of the original submissions, and the ability of the contestants to generate buzz and interest in their campaigns, MLB will narrow the field to 30 finalists who will then earn a trip to Spring Training in Arizona at the end of February, where they will compete in a variety of challenges to determine the final group of contestants.
These winners will begin the season in the MLB Fan Cave in New York City with the goal of watching all 2,430 MLB games on a large wall of big screen Sony televisions while chronicling their experiences online through videos, blogs, and social media. Along the way, they will compete with one another over the course of the season in a series of challenges, with fans online helping decide who gets to stay in the Fan Cave and who gets eliminated with one eventual winner crowned before the end of the World Series.
All 52 finalists have been hard at work rocking the vote since the announcement was made and this morning, I had the chance to catch up with these gentlemen so I can give you a little background on why you should, as always–VOTE BREWERS!
Peter Gourlie, better known as “Super Fan Pete,” is a Wisconsin native. He is a 31-year-old mattress store manager. He’s been a Brewers fan for as long as he can remember, coming to at least a couple of games a year as a child even though he grew up north of Wausau, Wisconsin.
Peter believes fans should vote for him because, “I am the ultimate super fan. I go to 60-plus games per year, including on the road. I support the players through good times and bad,” he said.
And if you need anymore proof that Peter truly is a super fan, well, you need not look any further than his Brewers Super Fan tattoo!
Since 2008, Peter and his friends have been traveling to Arizona to see the Brewers in Spring Training and he already has a trip planned for this year–only he now he hopes that during that trip he will be otherwise occupied as one of the Top 30 contestants for the MLB Fan Cave.
“If you’re selected as one of the Top 30 fans, you get to go to Spring Training in Arizona,” Peter said. “Well, I’ll already be down there. They can just send a car.”
To get there, he’s got to campaign hard and so far, he’s been able to garner a good buzz, primarily through Twitter and with the support of some of our current and former players–former Brewers pitchers Mitch Stetter (now with the Los Angeles Angels) and Manny Parra (now with the Cincinnati Reds) and current Brewers pitcher Brandon Kintzler all make appearances in Peter’s Fan Cave video, giving him ringing endorsements.
If he’s lucky enough to make it to the actual Fan Cave in New York, he’s not scared of the city, even though he’s never been there, or the prospect of living with 5-7 others for the season. “I’d be rooming with the best, most elite super fans from other teams,” Peter said. “We’ve all got baseball in common–something great to talk about.” Click here to vote for Peter. Also, follow him on Twitter: @SuperFanPete
Kevin Kimmes is a 34-year-old insurance salesman from Green Bay, Wisconsin. A self-proclaimed entertainer, he’s worn many hats from special effects assistant to playing in bands and even managing pro wrestling. Most importantly, though, he’s passionate about baseball and he’s a lifetime Brewers fan.
“The Brewers have been such a big part of my life. My first memories are sitting in my grandpa’s garage listening to Uecker,” he told me. “I would love the opportunity to live every fan’s dream.
Living up in Green Bay, Kevin says he is not able to get to as many games as he’d like, but he catches all the games on TV and/or radio. He also stays in touch with our farm system–last year, he covered the Timber Rattlers for CreamCityCables.com.
Kevin has never been to New York before, nor has he been to see the Brewers in Spring Training, but he’s hoping that he’ll get to do both things this year if he remains in the running for the Fan Cave. “It would be great to be in the Fan Cave,” Kevin said. “We know that we all have the passion and drive to do this; we’re all baseball fans. You’d form friendships and bonds that you’ll take with you for life.”
As Kevin alludes to in his video, he recently got married last year. And, although his “man cave” might be relegated to a bathroom for now, he says that his wife is one of his biggest supporters in his quest to be a cave dweller. “She knows how much baseball means to me. She’s been behind me 100%.”
Click here to vote for Kevin. Also, follow him on Twitter: @KevinKimmes.
So there you have it! The two Brewers Fandidates for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave.
Are you still here? Stop reading and go vote for Peter and Kevin!
-Cait
John and Cait’s Annual Brewers On Deck Preview
Without further ado, here is the official John and Cait preview of Brewers On Deck.
Below is a map of the event at the Delta Center that will help you plan your day.
A beautiful map of the Brewers On Deck setup.
JOHN
Spend 10 Minutes: Walking through the Brewers Museum. OK, full disclosure here. I have spent a lot of time building this “museum” from an simple idea and pretty much no direction. I started collecting stuff from around Miller Park and it has grown to something I am very proud of. It grows a bit every year, but has some pretty cool regular features. I’m a history buff and baseball history is so fascinating to me. Take 10 minutes to enjoy some Brewers history! It will be set up all day and I will be there most of the day so walk through at some point and say hello.
Don’t Miss: “The Brewlywed Game” on the Main Stage at 11:30. The Brewers take on “The Newlywed Game” will be very entertaining. Stick around afterwards for a question and answer session with Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin, Gord Ash, Tom Gorzelanny, Michael Gonzalez and Burke Badenhop.
Best New Addition: This year, there will be a “Bonus Stage” for autographs. Located near the Main Stage, select players will appear in 30 minute sessions and will sign autographs for fans. The schedule will be posted next to the stage and will include a mix of Brewers Major League players and future stars (you never know who will be the next Brewers All-Star!). Another new addition will come at the team store where fans can purchase t-shirts with the “Design a YOUniform” winning design and the new gold Brewers uniform.
Hidden Gem: The Brewers Community Foundation live auction. Some great items up for bid at 1:10 p.m. at the Interactive Stage. Bid on an opportunity to watch batting practice on the field before a Brewers game or the opportunity to “steal” 2nd base during a 2013 Brewers game. Some unique collectibles and opportunities are available at the auction.
A Reminder: About the Live Brewers.com webchat with Mark Rogers and Burke Badenhop at 2:30 p.m. at the Interactive Stage. Follow along if you cannot attend the event via social media by using the hashtag #BrewersOnDeck and submit questions below to Rogers and Badenhop.
CAIT
Spend 15 Minutes: The results of our “Design a YOUniform” contest will be unveiled by Brewers pitcher John Axford from 10:15-10:30am on the Klement’s Main Stage. The three finalists (Ron Verrecchio from Cantonsville, MD; Ben Peters from Richfield, MN; and Nicholas Fout from Madison, WI have all been invited to appear at Brewers On Deck to discuss their designs as they angle to win a trip to Spring Training. As John mentioned, the team store will have t-shirts with the “Design a YOUniform” winning design available as well!
Don’t Miss: “The Milwacky Squares” Game Show, hosted by Brewers television announcer, Brian Anderson, on the Main Stage at 1:45pm. The Brewers spin-off of “Hollywood Squares” will be very entertaining as it features Brewers Hall-of-Fame Radio Announcer Bob Uecker as the center square, along with Brewers players and several Hollywood guests–including Dennis Haskins aka “Mr. Belding” from Saved By the Bell and “Flight Time” Lang of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Best New Addition: I might be a tad biased, but I’m pretty psyched about the #BREWERSONDECK Instagram/Twitter contest! Make sure you take plenty of photos from this year’s event at several of the photo ops stages or around the event in general. Then, post them to Instagram and/or Tweet them to @Brewers or @Bernie_Brewer using the hashtag #BREWERSONDECK for your chance to win tickets to a 2013 home game!
Hidden Gem: Again–the Brewers Social Media area–that’s where I’ll be when I’m not running around. 
Come get a special @Brewers item while they last and check out our exciting new digital fan map–Brewers Fans on the Fly, presented by Southwest Airlines, which will be officially unveiled at the event (more to come on the blog later about that, too!).
A Reminder: Don’t forget that the Hunger Task Force will be on hand at the event to collect your non-perishable food items. Bring your donations and look for them near the Brewers Community Foundation area.
See you on Sunday!
-John and Cait
Brewers On Deck Schedule is Packed With Entertainment
Are you ready!? Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the winter for Brewers fans is just three days away. Brewers On Deck, presented by Time Warner Cable, is set for Sunday at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee. Doors to the facility open at 7 a.m. and the exhibit hall is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 50 players and coaches, along with alumni, broadcasters and front office executives are scheduled to attend.
Cait and I will have our full preview of the event tomorrow, but I wanted to give you a quick run down of the schedule of events today to help play your day on Sunday. This is a pretty long blog, but bear with me, it is packed with useful information that will help you organize and enjoy your day on Sunday.
As always, The Klement’s Main Stage will include various Q&A sessions with top Brewers baseball executives, the coaching staff, game shows and a roundtable discussion with members of the Milwaukee media who cover the team.
In addition, the winner of the “Design a YOUniform” contest will be announced on the main stage. The “reveal” will be hosted by Brewers pitcher John Axford. The winner will receive a trip to Brewers Spring Training 2013 to see the winning design on the field at a game. This is scheduled as the first event on the main stage, so be sure to get there early to check it out.
The Brewers Interactive Stage will feature the Kids Only Question and Answer session, where youngsters interview players. Brewers Community Foundation will host a Treasure Hunt, featuring some hard to find Brewers items on sale as well as a live auction at 1:10 p.m. on the Interactive Stage. Additionally, BCF will hold a 50/50 Raffle. The winner will be announced at the Interactive stage after the live auction.
At 2:30 p.m. at the Interactive Stage, I will be hosting a webchat on Brewers.com with Mark Rogers and Burke Badenhop. I am asking fans to send questions in the comments section below ahead of time and hopefully I will be able to take some of your questions. Fans unable to attend the event can also join in the fun from Brewers.com on Sunday. Fans attending the event can join us live at the Q&A session with questions. You can also tweet me your questions using the #BrewersOnDeck hashtag.
Details on the autograph and programming schedules are listed below. Remember the schedule is subject to change, with the latest version and more information available at Brewers.com/ondeck. Players will sign 250 autographs at prices ranging from free to $25. The autograph opportunities are for signatures on photo cards provided by the team; the Brewers cannot guarantee that any player will sign other memorabilia, and personalizing items is solely up to the discretion of each player.
The same system for autographs that was used last year will be used on Sunday. Recipients of autographs for Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo, Rickie Weeks and Bob Uecker will be chosen through a random selection process. Numbered coupons to be entered into the random selection process will be available the day of the event only and will be distributed beginning at 8 a.m. at the Delta Center. Coupon distribution will be available up to an hour before each designated autograph session. A schedule is listed below:
Bob Uecker will sign from 11:00-11:45 on Stage 4. Coupons will be distributed from 8:00 – 10:00, winners will be announced at 10:30 and the fan report time is 10:45.
Ryan Braun will sign from 12:00-12:45 on Stage 6. Coupons will be distributed from 8:00 – 11:00, winners will be announced at 11:30 and the fan report time is 11:45.
Yovani Gallardo will sign from 1:00-1:45 on Stage 2. Coupons will be distributed from 8:00 – 12:00, winners will be announced at 12:30 and the fan report time is 12:45.
Rickie Weeks will sign from 2:00-2:45 on Stage 1. Coupons will be distributed from 8:00 – 1:00, winners will be announced at 1:30 and the fan report time is 1:45.
Fans can receive one coupon per event admission ticket and can use that coupon to enter the random selection process for any one of the select Brewers players. There is no cost for coupons to enter the random selection process; however, those holding coupons that are chosen must pay $25 at the respective autograph stage to collect their player signature. There will be 250 winners for the identified autograph sessions.
Players and staff not included in the above autograph list will not use the random selection process. Each of those players will sign 250 autographs priced at $10. The autograph opportunities are for signatures on photo cards provided by the team; the Brewers cannot guarantee that any player will sign other memorabilia, and personalizing items is solely up to the discretion of each player.
Rickie Weeks signs an autograph at the 2012 Brewers On Deck.
Autograph Schedule
Stage 1
11:00 – 11:45 Michael Gonzalez ($10)
12:30 – 1:15 Chris Narveson ($10)
2:00 – 2:45 Rickie Weeks ($25)
3:30 – 4:15 Marco Estrada ($10)
Stage 2
1:00 – 1:45 Yovani Gallardo ($25)
2:30 – 3:15 Martin Maldonado ($10)
3:45 – 4:30 Mike Fiers ($10)
Stage 3
10:30 – 11:15 Burke Badenhop ($10)
12:00 – 12:45 Carlos Gomez ($10)
1:30 – 2:15 Mat Gamel ($10)
Stage 4
11:00 – 11:45 Bob Uecker ($25)/Mark Attanasio (Free)
12:30 – 1:15 Brandon Kintzler ($10)
2:00 – 2:45 Jeff Bianchi ($10)
3:30 – 4:15 Tom Gorzelanny ($10)
Stage 5
11:30 – 12:15 Mark Rogers ($10)
1:00 – 1:45 John Axford ($10)
2:30 – 3:15 Wily Peralta ($10)
3:45 – 4:30 Jonathan Lucroy ($10)
Stage 6
12:00 – 12:45 Ryan Braun ($25)
1:30 – 2:15 Jim Henderson ($10)
All autograph proceeds benefit Brewers Community Foundation. Please note that cash is the only acceptable form of payment for autographs. Additionally, there will be a free autograph stage called the “Bonus” stage, which will include 13 players signing free autographs throughout the day.
The Newsradio 620 WTMJ Stage will broadcast live from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will include interviews with Brewers players and coaches. Fans using social media are invited to use the hashtag #BrewersOnDeck when tweeting about Brewers On Deck. Even if you aren’t able to attend the event, you can still take part by tuning in to the WTMJ broadcast and following via social media.
Tickets for the event are still available and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults, and $9 in advance and $15 at the door for children 14 and under. Tickets purchased at the door of the event on Sunday will be cash only.
There are a variety of parking structures and street lots surrounding the Delta Center. For more parking information, please visit www.parkmilwaukee.com.
Main Stage Schedule
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – “Design a YOUniform” contest unveiling – hosted by Brewers pitcher John Axford. Three finalists: Ron Verrecchio from Catonsville, Maryland, Ben Peters from Richfield, Minnesota and Nicholas Fout from Madison, Wisconsin have all been invited to appear at Brewers On Deck to discuss their designs as they angle to win a trip to Spring Training.
10:40 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. – Meet the Coaching Staff – Brewers manager Ron Roenicke along with his coaching staff will participate in a Q&A session hosted by NewsRadio 620 WTMJ/Brewers play-by-play announcer Joe Block.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – “Brewlywed” Game Show – Brewers players, coaches, prospects and alumni will participate in a game show to see who has what it takes to win it all. Joe Block will host the show.
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Meet Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin, Gord Ash, Craig Counsell and the Newest Brewers – Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio, Executive Vice President – General Manager Doug Melvin, Vice President – Assistant General Manager Gord Ash, and Special Assistant to the GM Craig Counsell will join free agent acquisitions – Burke Badenhop, Michael Gonzalez and Tom Gorzelanny – in a question and answer session with Brewers fans. The session will be hosted by Craig Coshun of FS Wisconsin.
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Milwacky Squares – A spin-off of “Hollywood Squares,” features Brewers Hall-of- Fame Radio Announcer Bob Uecker as the center square along with Brewers players and several surprise Hollywood guests. Brewers television voice Brian Anderson will host this classic game show.
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Rising Stars Q&A – Brewers prospects Clint Coulter, Kentrail Davis, Drew Gagnon, Mitch Haniger, Hunter Morris, Taylor Jungmann, Jimmy Nelson and Victor Roache will take questions from fans regarding the future of the organization on the field. Craig Coshun will host the Q&A.
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Brewers Face Off – It’s the Brewers “family” of current Brewers against the Brewers “family” of future stars in what will certainly turn out to be a “feud.” Brian Anderson will host the game show.
4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Media Roundtable – Join host Craig Coshun in a discussion about the Brewers with members of the local media including Tom Haudricourt of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com, Drew Olson of ESPN Milwaukee Radio and Tim Allen from Sportsradio 1250 WSSP Radio.
Tomorrow, Cait and I will post a full preview of the event including our “not to miss” activities and other insider tips.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Brewers Go For the Gold and Announce Gold Alternate Jersey
The Brewers go for the gold every season. Each of the 30 flags atop the Commissioner’s Trophy awarded to the World Series Champion are adorned in gold and it is the Brewers goal to one day have that trophy at Miller Park. With that in mind, the Brewers will be “going for gold” in a new gold alternate jersey next season.
This exciting Brewers uniform news was announced by the team early this morning. The new gold-colored alternate jersey will be worn on occasion beginning with the 2013 season. The jersey tops will officially make their debut by players and coaches on Sunday at “Brewers On Deck” at the Delta Center in Milwaukee.
Here is a rendering of the gold Brewers jersey.
The gold jersey will feature “Brewers” in blue script across the front (think about the “Cerveceros” jersey that the team has worn in recent years). It will join the primary white home jersey, the primary gray road jersey, the alternate blue “Brewers” jersey, the alternate blue “Milwaukee” jersey and the retro “Brewers” pinstripe jersey.
The last time the Brewers introduced an alternate jersey was 2010 when the team added the alternate blue “Milwaukee” jersey.
“Our players have worn a similar gold-colored jersey on our annual ‘Cerveceros Day,’ and the feedback from fans and players has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “We believe that this jersey will be a very popular style, both on the field and at our retail locations.”
The players did react positively to the gold “Cerveceros” jersey the team has worn–the team won the only game they were worn last year. While normally, it is up to the starting pitcher to decide what uniform the team will wear for any game, baseball players can be very superstitious. If the team has a winning record in the gold jerseys, you could see them pretty regularly next year.
It was no coincidence that the team played the most games and had the best record–35-17–in the blue “Brewers” uniforms in 2012. Part of that could be due to the strong home record the team had, but the team went 10-10 in the home whites–proving there might be a little superstition when choosing a jersey.
The new uniform top will be available exclusively at Brewers On Deck and the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park beginning Sunday. The Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park will exclusively carry the Brewers gold jersey through February 3. Those who purchase a gold Brewers jersey at Brewers on Deck will receive a free Brewers gold jersey chocolate bar.
Fans purchasing a Gold Brewers jersey at Brewers On Deck receive a gold jersey chocolate bar seen here.
]Players and coaches can be photographed in the new uniform on Sunday at “Brewers On Deck.”
What do you think of the new gold Brewers jersey? Leave your comments below.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Think Spring Brewers Fans: Equipment Truck Packed Today and is Heading to Arizona
Can you believe it!? We are already packing up for Arizona and Spring Training. Tony Migliaccio and his Brewers clubhouse crew were busy this morning packing up the Spring Training equipment truck that leaves today around 3 p.m. for Arizona.
Everything that the team needs is packed up and sent down to Arizona. Bats, balls, shoes, hats, jerseys, workout gear, medical supplies, medical files, baseball files–you name it, it’s on the truck. We basically move our entire operation to Arizona for two months and most of what we need is packed on this truck.
The truck will leave this afternoon and make it to Arizona on January 23 where it is unpacked at Maryvale Baseball Park. This is a well-oiled machine and the clubhouse crew does a great job of making this large move very easy.
Brewers team photographer Scott Paulus and I snapped some shots of the action today in the Brewers clubhouse at Miller Park.
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- Erik Anderson (l) and Dave Siever (r) of the clubhouse staff pack up jackets for chilly Arizona mornings.
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- These racks were filled with 103 bins of shirts, shorts, socks, pants, and other equipment that are now packed on the truck.
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- These guys mostly get in the way, but they do help here and there.
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- Wouldn’t be a Brewers Truck pack without the Famous Racing Sausages helping out!
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- These will probably be important to bring.
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- Brewers Home Clubhouse Manager Tony Migliaccio sorts a bin of numbers and letters for uniforms.
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- Alex Sanchez making sure the boxes are taped properly.
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- Everything has a place!
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- The clubhouse equipment room is jam packed with goodies.
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- The clubhouse crew is a well-organized group.
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- The truck pulls right into the service level of Miller Park.
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- The Famous Racing Sausages normally leave for Spring Training on the truck, but they are sticking around for Brewers On Deck.
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- Hopefully we won’t be needing these too often.
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- Clubhouse Assistant Ben Pinzer loads up the bats.
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- The perfect penmanship of Clubhouse Assistant Matt Smith is seen on this well organized checklist.
Special thanks to Migliaccio, Phil Rozewicz, Jason Shawger and the rest of the Brewers clubhouse crew pictured above for letting us get some behind the scenes access to the packing of the equipment truck today.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
World Baseball Classic Rosters Include 14 Brewers Players
Brewers fans will have plenty of reason to watch the World Baseball Classic as 14 players from the Brewers organization are scheduled to take part. The full rosters were announced today. Here is a list of Brewers players on WBC rosters:
Ryan Braun
Jonathan Lucroy
Hiram Burgos
Martin Maldonado
Marco Estrada
Yovani Gallardo
John Axford
Taylor Green
Jim Henderson
Rene Tosoni
Hainley Statia
Mike Walker
Carlos Gomez
Jeff Bianchi
The Brewers will even be represented behind the scenes during the World Baseball Classic. In addition to the players on the field, Brewers Visiting Clubhouse Manager Phil Rozewicz will serve as clubhouse manager for the Dominican Republic team and Brewers Vice President – Communications Tyler Barnes will serve as a media liaison for games played at Marlins Park in Miami.
KEY DATES IN THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FOR BREWERS FANS
Tuesday, March 5; Brewers vs. Team Canada – Maryvale Baseball Park, 1:05 p.m. (Arizona Time); 2:05 p.m. (Milwaukee Time)
In an exhibition game during the exhibition season, the Brewers squad will take on the Canadian team at Maryvale Baseball Park. There are a lot of Canadian connections in the Brewers organization. Doug Melvin and Gord Ash are both natives along with a number of players on the Brewers roster. Personally, I’m a fan of “Oh Canada” and can’t wait to hear that prior to the game. It will also be interesting to see John Axford, Taylor Green and Jim Henderson suit up in the visiting clubhouse in Team Canada uniforms against their Brewers teammates (I wonder if they will pop in and say hi!?). Rene Tosoni, a name that might not be familiar with most Brewers fans, was signed to a minor league contract by the Brewers recently. The outfielder played with the Minnesota Twins last season.
Friday, March 8; Spain at Puerto Rico – Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan Puerto Rico, 4:30 p.m. (Milwaukee Time)
Hiram Burgos and Martin Maldonado make their WBC debut for Puerto Rico in their native country.
Friday, March 8, Mexico at United States – Chase Field, Phoenix Arizona, 7:00 p.m. (Arizona Time); 8:00 p.m. (Milwaukee Time)
For Brewers fans in Arizona for Spring Training, this is going to be a great day. Catch the Brewers and Rangers at 1 p.m. in Maryvale and then head downtown to Chase Field to see Ryan Braun, Jonathan Lucroy and Team USA take on Marco Estrada, Yovani Gallardo and Team Mexico.
If you are heading to Arizona for Spring Training to see the Brewers, I would highly recommend fitting in a WBC game into your itinerary. It is a fun atmosphere and a chance to see some players you might not normally see. In addition to Chase Field, games will also be held at Salt River Field at Talking Stick.
For full information on the World Baseball Classic including ticket information, schedules and rosters, click here.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Finalists Announced in Brewers “Design a YOUniform” Contest
After receiving nearly 700 submissions for the Brewers “Design a YOUniform” contest that began last fall, the Brewers today announced the three* finalists. Today, a fan vote begins at Brewers.com/uniform where fans can have their say in the contest.
It was interesting to see the submitted designs. Some had a Milwaukee flair, some had a retro taste, some went back to the Milwaukee Braves roots, some touched on Arizona and Maryvale. The creativity shown by participants was great.
In the end, the panel narrowed it down and the final three submissions are shown below. I like the three finalists. All use touches of Brewers design elements, but at the same time, offer a fresh and unique look. I’m not giving away my favorite because I don’t want to sway anyone’s decision, but I would love to know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Ron Verrecchio – Catonsville, Maryland
Nicholas Fouts – Madison, Wisconsin
Ben Peters – Richfield, Minnesota
Verrecchio’s design has a good combination of two classic Brewers logos–the “Barrelman” and the “Ball-and-Glove.” I also like the royal blue color used. Another simple design element that I like in this one is the piping around the sleeves and down the center of the jersey. It really gives it a complete look.
Fouts uses two design combinations that I like a lot. The first is the use of “Milwaukee” on the jersey. I like when road jerseys use the name of the city/state they are from. Continuing on that theme, I love the logo that uses the state of Wisconsin with the classic “M” on the hat. That use of the state of Wisconsin on the hat is a tradition that I like to see as the Brewers are not just Milwaukee’s team, but belong to the entire state.
Peters’ blends classic with modern. He uses the current Brewers gold and navy colors and puts a classic twist on it with a great rendition of the “Barrelman” logo. Again, the state of Wisconsin is seen on the patch and the pieces of barley used in our current primary logo appear. The classic Brewers font and numbering give it an old-time feel.
All three finalists will travel to Milwaukee for “Brewers On Deck” at the Delta Center where the winner will be announced at 10:15 a.m. at the Klement’s Main Stage. In addition to the fan vote, a panel of voters including Axford, Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Doug Melvin and Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger will judge the finalists. The fan vote will stay open until Tuesday, January 22 at 10 a.m. CT and will count as one vote among the panel of eight judges. Other judges include Brewers Senior Director – Merchandise Branding Jill Aronoff, and representatives from Majestic, New Era and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The hats and uniforms from the winning design will be worn by all Brewers players and coaches at the Friday, March 22 Spring Training game at Maryvale Baseball Park against the Chicago Cubs. The winner will receive airfare for two, tickets to the game in Arizona to see the uniform in action. and $1,500 for hotel, ground transportation and other incidentals. The winner will also have the opportunity to select the jersey and hat worn by one player from that day, plus will receive ten t-shirts and hats made from their design. Not a bad prize package!
In addition, the Brewers announced today that the uniforms will also be worn at Miller Park on Saturday, March 30 as the Brewers take on the Chicago White Sox in an exhibition game. It will be nice for the Milwaukee fans to see the uniforms at Miller Park.
For fans interested in purchasing the unique Brewers gear, t-shirts and hats featuring the winning design will be available at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park and at the Brewers Team Store at Maryvale at a later date.
I think we have three pretty unique designs and I can’t wait to see how this contest plays out. I have been excited about it from the start and looking at the finalists makes me more excited to see who comes out on top. Good luck to all three finalists and don’t forget to cast your vote!
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
*Please note that originally, we planned to have four finalists and a fourth finalist was selected. However, upon contacting the individual who submitted the design after voting was completed last week, it was clear that this fourth finalist was not eligible to participate in the contest. With the complexities of clearing trademark and licensing issues with each design (a process that can require several weeks of advance notice), there was not time to replace the fourth finalist with an alternate design.
Final Push On to Help Ryan Braun Make the Cover of “MLB 13: The Show”
Brewers fans have never been afraid of a social media battle when showing their support for the team and its players. Fans helped Miller Park win ESPN.com’s “Battle of the Ballpark” last summer and are always ready to “Vote Brewers” come All-Star balloting time.
The campaign to get Ryan Braun on the cover of “MLB 13: The Show” is no different. Braun needs your help. Remember that every tweet including the hashtag “#MLB13BRAUN” counts as a vote as well as votes at MLB.com/covervote.
To promote the contest and Braun, a series of videos have been released since Monday on various forms of social media. I have gathered all three videos below. Watch them, share them and enjoy them. I think they are pretty creative. My favorite is “Braunies,” released today.
So remember, you have until 7 p.m. CT tomorrow to vote. Let’s give Ryan a last big push–I know Brewers fans are up for the challenge!
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Brewers On Deck Attendees Announced
Brewers On Deck is just over two weeks away and today the team announced a list of attendees. As always, it is going to be a great event as the list of attendees is packed with over 50 current, former and future Brewers players. The list is as follows and is subject to change:
PLAYERS
John Axford
Burke Badenhop
Jeff Bianchi
Ryan Braun
Nick Bucci
Hiram Burgos
Khris Davis
Marco Estrada
Mike Fiers
Yovani Gallardo
Mat Gamel
Scooter Gennett
Caleb Gindl
Carlos Gomez
Michael Gonzalez
Tom Gorzelanny
Taylor Green
Corey Hart
Johnny Hellweg
Jim Henderson
Brandon Kintzler
Jonathan Lucroy
Martin Maldonano
Chris Narveson
Michael Olmsted
Wily Peralta
Josh Prince
Mark Rogers
Logan Schafer
Josh Stinson
Tyler Thornburg
Rickie Weeks
COACHES
Ron Roenicke
Joe Crawford
Marcus Hanel
Garth Iorg
Rick Kranitz
Jerry Narron
Johnny Narron
Ed Sedar
John Shelby
Lee Tunnell
MINORS
Clint Coulter
Kentrail Davis
Drew Gagnon
Mitch Haniger
Taylor Jungmann
Hunter Morris
Jimmy Nelson
Victor Roache
Matt Erickson (Mgr.)
ALUMNI
Jerry Augustine
Jim Gantner
Larry Hisle
Gorman Thomas
A full schedule of events and autograph schedule will be announced in a week to ten days.
Brewers On Deck is Sunday, January 27 at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event is presented by Time Warner Cable.
Tickets for Brewers On Deck are currently on sale. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children ages 14 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the Miller Park ticket office, by calling the Brewers Ticket office at 414-902-4000, or online at Brewers.com/ondeck. On the day of the event, only cash will be accepted for purchases made at the door. Tickets the day of the event are $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under.
Cait and I will have a full preview of Brewers On Deck the week prior to the event.
See you there!
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
John and Cait
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