Results tagged ‘ Ryan Braun ’
Miller Makes the Trip to Miller Park
In case you’re wondering, yes, that was current TNT game analyst and retired five-time All-Star NBA player, Reggie Miller, in attendance at the Brewers vs. Cardinals game last night and again, in the crowd today.
Reggie Miller takes in a Brewers game on Wednesday night. Photo courtesy of FSWisconsin.
Miller was in Milwaukee to support his friends, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder and tweeted about the game from his Twitter account @ReggieMillerTNT:
And, although he was cheering for the Crew last night, the California native (and neighbor of Ryan’s in the offseason) also made sure to add this disclaimer:
Miller played his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers from the time he was selected by the team with the 11th pick of the 1st round of the NBA draft in 1987 to his retirement in 2005 and is one of four Pacers to have his jersey retired by the team.
Milwaukee sports fans might remember Miller as he often broke the hearts of Milwaukee Bucks fans. The Pacers and Bucks met in heated match ups in both the 1999 and 2000 NBA Playoffs. His 41 points in Game 5 of the Bucks-Pacers first round series help the Pacers survive an upset attempt by the Bucks.
During his career, Miller played more games with the same team than all but two players in NBA history (John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz) and was a member of the gold medal-winning Olympic men’s basketball team in 1996 and of Team USA for the 1994 and 2002 World Championships. Following his retirement, Miller joined Turner Sports in 2005 as a basketball analyst and provides features throughout the year on the network’s studio show, Inside the NBA as well as game-site analysis.
-John and Cait
On September 10th, Brewers Fans Have Gotta Go…GOLD!
It’s no surprise to us why we have the best home record in all of baseball right now— everyone knows Brewers fans are the best in the league. And, in the thick of a pennant race, that fan support is crucial–so that’s why we’re asking you to come out and support the Crew on Saturday, September 10 by going GOLD!
Remember the Gold “Cerveceros” jerseys the team wore earlier in the season? Those were a big hit with the players and the fans. On September 10, the Crew will again sport similar gold Brewers jerseys for the game against the Phillies and all fans who in attendance are encouraged to wear their Brewers gold to the game, too!
The Brewers Team Store by Majestic is stocking up on several new t-shirts in preparation for the event and and, beginning on Tuesday morning, September 6, at 6am, fans can be the very first to strike gold as the t-shirts, in addition to a limited number of the gold jerseys, will be available at the store during a special sale.
Here’s a quick rundown of the new merchandise:
- Gold tees with the Brewers script logo on the front.
- There will be select player name and number tees (Axford, Braun, Fielder and Weeks) available in gold.
- Finally, the T. Plush Tee is still a number one seller, so we’re betting that this new gold tee, emblazoned with his patented saying, “Ahhhhhh Gotta Go!” will be a hit as well. Where do we have to go? We’ve Gotta Go to the Postseason of course!
These items will be exclusive to the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park.
Fans who wear their gold on September 10th also have the potential to be spotted by Brewers employees and rewarded for sporting their attire. Prizes include ticket vouchers, autographed baseballs, and other merchandise.
The rush is on! Get ready to go gold!
– JOHN AND CAIT
johnandcait@brewers.com
Cover Boys
With the recent hot streak by the Brewers along with the heat of the pennant race, our Brewers are no longer a secret. Sports Illustrated took notice of the team and announced this morning that Ryan Braun, Nyjer Morgan and Prince Fielder will grace the cover of the August 29 issue that will hit newsstands today.
A cover image of the August 29, 2011 issue of Sports Illustrated, featuring the Milwaukee Brewers.
Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins visited Milwaukee during the last homestand to write the cover story. A selected quote from closer John Axford in the article describes the colorful Brewers clubhouse: “(Manager) Ron (Roenicke) embraced the youthfulness and craziness of this team. We’re not like most people. You have to cut us loose and let us go.”
This marks the first time in over 24 years that the Brewers have had the honor of the cover to themselves, with Rob Deer having appeared on the cover of the April 27, 1987 issue. (Braun appeared with five other players on the cover of the 2008 Baseball Preview.)
Other covers include:
- 4/20/1987 (three Brewers featured as part of MLB “What They Make” package)
- 10/25/1982 (Robin Yount)
- 10/11/1982 (Robin Yount)
- 3/16/1981 (Rollie Fingers)
- 4/30/1979 (manager George Bamberger)
Ryan Braun on the 2008 Baseball Preview Issue
Robin Yount on the cover during the 1982 World Series
Former Brewers pitcher Rollie Fingers on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1981
Special thanks go to Lee Jenkins and Chris Tropeano from Sports Illustrated and SIcovers.com for help with all of this.
This is an exciting moment for Brewers fans across the country as now the nation will know a little more about the colorful group that we all love to cheer on each and every game. It makes me proud as a Brewers fan and as an employee of the organization, but we are not done yet. I’m sure I share the same thoughts as many Brewers fans, I would like to see the Brewers on another Sports Illustrated cover in late October!
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Want to Win 2012 Season Tickets? Tell Us What You Love About Miller Park!
At the beginning of the season, we were pleased to introduce our “What Do You Love About Miller Park?” advertising campaign for 2011, which was designed to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our beloved ballpark through declarations of love.
There are so many things we love about Miller Park that it is hard to choose just one. But if you’re Ryan Braun and you have the tremendous power to hit home runs that help lead the Crew to victory, then it’s understandable why the thing he loves best is making Bernie Brewer go down his slide in left field. It’s the 10th Anniversary of Miller Park and we’re still finding new things we love about the place Ryan and the Crew call home.
All season long, we’re be celebrating our great ballpark and all of the things that make our very own Brewers experience so unique by highlighting the things that our players, fans and yes, even our mascots, love best in our print, online and outdoor ads.
And now, we want to hear from you. In the past 10 years, millions of fans have passed through the gates and many memories have been created, so we’d like to invite you to join us in an interactive contest as you tell us: What do YOU love best about the place your Brewers call home? It could your favorite memory, food, place to take in the game, or just what keeps you coming back again and again.
Just share your story here in 100 words or less, accompanied by a photo of you and family or friends at Miller Park and we’ll send one lucky winner back out to the ballpark again and again on us with two (2) 20-Game ticket packages for the 2012 season.
Other entrants are also be eligible to win great prizes, such as: four tickets to the Gehl Club for the Tuesday, August 30 game vs. St. Louis; one autographed John Axford jersey and bobblehead; one autographed Shaun Marcum jersey and ball; four tickets in the AirTran Airways Landing Zone for the Monday, September 26 game vs. Pittsburgh, or a $100 shopping spree to the Brewers Team Store by Majestic.
You’ve only got until Friday, July 29, so get ready to fall in love all over again with Miller Park as you take a trip down memory lane and then post your entry!
-Cait
New Brewers Player Tees Exclusive to Miller Park
With a new Brewers season upon us, there is always a lot of new things around the ballpark that you have been hearing about. A new manager. The new scoreboard at Miller Park. Some new delicious concession items. If you have visited the Brewers Team Store by Majestic in the last couple of days, you might have seen some new player t-shirts that debuted this week.
I first saw the shirts about a month ago during a photo shoot with the players at Spring Training. We asked the players to model the shirts and those pictures are below. The shirts were designed by Majestic and give unique twist on the traditional player jersey t-shirts that have been extremely popular at Miller Park.
The Ryan Braun and Casey McGehee shirts have a little “America’s Dairyland” touch to them while the “Jersey Shore” shore boys might put on Yovani Gallardo’s tattoo-inspired shirt when “T-Shirt Time” comes around. Closers in baseball are often referred to as “Firemen” and Brewers closer John Axford’s shirt looks like something you would see at at Milwaukee Fire Station.
Available now are Axford, Braun and Prince Fielder. Throughout the season, other players will be rolled out. On May 1, the McGehee and Rickie Weeks shirts will be made available. On June 1, the Zack Greinke and Corey Hart shirts will go on sale and the series will conclude on August 1 when the Craig Counsell and Gallardo shirts debut.
These shirts are available exclusively to the Brewers Team Story by Majestic and will look great in your collection of Brewers player t-shirts. This shirts will sell for $30 each and are available in adult sizes.
Which shirt is your favorite? Let us know by placing your vote.
– JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Doug Davis: Throwing Strikes On and Off the Mound
On Sunday, August 8, Brewers pitcher Doug Davis will host a Bowl-a-Thon at Pinstrikes Bowling Center at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. Davis will be joined by Brewers teammates and coaches at the event, where proceeds will benefit the Miracle League of Milwaukee through the Doug Davis Foundation and the Brewers Community Foundation.
The Doug Davis Foundation, whose motto is, “Helping better the lives of children,” started in 2008 with a golf tournament while Davis was playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He established the Foundation to help assist children with various medical, social and family needs. Over the next couple of years, Davis has held more events such as poker tournaments, meet and greets, and special behind-the scenes ballpark tours in addition to what has now become his annual Celebrity/Charity Golf Invitational. The proceeds from some of those events have gone to the Miracle League of Arizona, helping to build a baseball stadium designed for use by children with special needs.
The Miracle League of Milwaukee is a project that the Club has been supporting in various ways this season, including through the Pepsi Refresh Project. Fifteen teams across Major League Baseball are asking fans to join them in making a difference in America’s communities; each Club has presented a proposed community project for support and here in Milwaukee, the Club has chosen the Miracle League, campaigning for fan votes and an ultimate $200,000 grant to fulfill the project. (Click here to cast your vote up to ten times a day until Tuesday, August 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.)
Because of Davis’ work with the Miracle League of Arizona, the Miracle League is also something that Davis strongly supports and he will donate the proceeds from the Bowl-a-Thon to the Miracle League of Milwaukee.
“Children, you know, like the song says, they are our future. The Miracle League in particular is very special to me because without it, those kids don’t get to play. They want to be just like the big leaguers they see on TV, with the field and the amenities. To know that you’re sharing your love for the game with them and that you’re helping them, it makes you feel really good inside. And when you see them play and realize the sense of achievement that they get out of it, it is very humbling,” Davis said.
There are a number of different ways to participate in the Bowl-a-Thon, which takes place from 6-9 p.m., following the Brewers vs. Houston Astros game.
Lane sponsorship is $1000 and includes bowling for five people plus a Brewers player, five tickets to a Brewers game, free food and drinks at the event, goodie bags including an autographed baseball, additional autograph and photograph opportunities, plus raffle prizes. The high bowler in each lane will also receive an autographed custom bowling pin. Individual spots are available for $200.
While the Doug Davis Foundation has held poker and golf events, Davis has never held his own bowling event, though he has participated in them in the past.
While it is Davis’ first time hosting a Bowl-a-Thon, this is not the first time for the Brewers. Most recently, former Brewers outfielder, Mike Cameron, hosted the Brewers Bowl-a-Thon in 2009.
I did a little homework before our interview. Over the past 6 seasons (2004-2009), Davis has been in the top 25 National League pitchers in strikeouts for five of those seasons, including finishing tied for third in 2005, his personal best. In addition, Doug’s current average strikeouts per nine innings pitched (K/9) is 7.98 in 2010.
It’s okay, though. Davis has an excuse. He will be bowling right-handed in the event to protect his pitching arm, especially as he treats his tendinitis.
So, if Davis isn’t overly confident in his own bowling abilities…who is the best bowler on the team?
Players currently scheduled to appear at the event along with Davis are: John Axford, Zach Braddock, Ryan Braun, Chris Capuano, Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Joe Inglett, Kameron Loe, Casey McGehee, Chris Narveson, Manny Parra, Randy Wolf, and more.
“So, are you picking Ryan Braun to win it all then?” I pressed.
While Davis has made his prediction, it still sounds like it’s anyone’s ballgame. However, one thing is for certain: On Sunday, August 8, the Miracle League of Milwaukee will be the true winner as the team and fans come out to have a fun time and raise money for this worthy cause. We hope to see you there!
To participate in the event or for more information, visit brewers.com/community, or contact Greg Harris with the Doug Davis Foundation at (847) 924-6140 or via e-mail at gharris@dougdavisfoundation.org. For more information on the Miracle League of Milwaukee, please visit www.miracleleaguemilwaukee.org.
Two Brewers Who Deserve Your Vote
The first returns for All-Star balloting will be announced next week. Voting has been going on for about a month and while some say voting might start too early, there are certainly some Brewers who are worthy of a selection. Today, I will focus the attention on two Brewers players who have been “swinging a hot bat,” as Brian Anderson would like to say. Ryan Braun and Casey McGehee have been very strong and consistent all season for the Brewers.
Entering Friday’s game, Braun is among the League leaders in pretty much all offensive statistical categories. Among National League outfielders Braun leads the league in Hits (52) and is second in runs scored (34), batting average (.333), multi-hit games (16) and on base percentage (.413). Not to mention, he is averaging 8.52 plate appearances per strikeout, third most among NL outfielders.
Braun has used his speed to advance on the base paths this season. His nine stolen bases are 4th among NL outfielders and he is one of two NL outfielders without a caught stealing this season (teammate Carlos Gomez is the other one). Braun also ranks 4th among NL outfielders in total bases (86) and RBI (4th).
Among third basemen this season, McGehee is first in batting average (.325), hits (49), RBI (37), On-Base Percentage (.395) and OPS (.965). He is second in both home runs (9) and slugging percentage (.570). Overall in the National League, McGehee ranks high in two clutch hitting stats, RBI after the 7th inning (1st, 18) and go-ahead RBI (T6th, 8).
Together, Braun and McGehee enter tonight’s game leading the Major Leagues in combined RBI (67) this season. There are three other duos in MLB with 65, but none can match Braun and McGehee’s 67.
Braun has been an All-Star each of the last two seasons and is putting up All-Star numbers again this season. McGehee–a waiver claim by the Brewers–has also proved to the National League that he can put up All-Star numbers. Continue to get out the vote and send this duo to the All-Star game! Click here to vote.
Also, please continue to submit your favorite Brewers license plates you have seen driving around the state! We have seen a couple of submissions so far and I have seen a couple of creative ones on the road, keep them coming in!
–John
The Full Squad is Here
It was a pretty busy Friday in Brewers Camp today. Today was the day that the position players reported to camp meaning the clubhouse was full with Brewers. Alcides Escobar was the final Brewer to report (and, no that is not a negative thing for him because the team encouraged him to take some time off following his stint in the Venezuelan Winter League) and he participated in some batting practice and took some grounders with the rest of the infielders.
It was nice to have the entire team together today and the full official workouts begin tomorrow. The team will have workouts tomorrow through Tuesday and then have an intrasquad game at Maryvale Baseball Park on Wednesday.
The weather was perfect today, about 70 degrees and not a cloud to be seen. I have a lot of pictures for everyone today, so I will get right to them.
Brewers Catcher Angel Salome goes over some questions in the visiting clubhouse at Maryvale Baseball Park. Aleta Mercer and Deron Anderson set up and record short interviews with each player for scoreboard entertainment purposes during the regular season at Miller Park.
Brewers Shortstop Alcides Escobar takes batting practice during his informal workout with the team this morning.
Ryan Braun takes batting practice during today’s workout.
Trevor Hoffman throws a bullpen session during today’s workout as head athletic trainer Roger Caplinger looks on.
Manager Ken Macha addresses a group of Brewers pitchers and catchers at one of the stations during today’s workout.
Last year’s First Round Draft Pick Eric Arnett throws a bullpen session today.
Inside the Brewers batting tunnel, a group from Froedert and the Medical College of Wisconsin set up sensors to record and analyze the throwing motion of Brewers pitchers. Today, five pitchers participated in throwing in front of these sensors. The sensors were hooked up to a computer that analyzed the throwing motion of each player. The video will then be used by Brewers coaches, players and front office staff to help prevent injuries and improve performance. Even the smallest adjustment can make for improvement in the delivery of each pitcher. Players are encouraged to participate, but it is not mandated.
Over 40 of these little reflectors were attached to various spots on each pitchers body. As you can see in the upper right of this picture, they even wore hats with the reflectors.
This is what Dave Bush’s feet and legs looked like before he was ready to pitch.
Here is Dave Bush’s left arm with the reflectors.
The computer screen shows little black dots. Those are what the computer sees after the lights pick up the reflectors. This is the outline of Yovani Gallardo as he was preparing to pitch. You guys may think its odd that I didn’t post any pictures of the players actually pitching with all those little reflectors on. There is a simple reason for that. In order to get the most accurate reading of the each players body when in the pitching motion, the players had to pitch in, well, their underwear. I really didn’t want to embarass anyone seeing as I have to work with these guys on a daily basis. I hope you understand. This is a family blog! Anyway, this is the first of five days in which the team is doing this , so maybe there will be an opportunity to show some more photos.
Here is a “hot off the presses” copy of the 2010 Milwaukee Brewers Media Guide sitting on my desk. The first shipment of guides came in to Phoenix today. This is always the biggest offseason project of the Brewers Media Relations Department and it is always an exciting day when the hard copy of the guide is on my desk. Mike Vassallo, Ken Spindler and I spent a lot of time on this year’s guide and we are happy it turned out well. Fans can pick up their copy of the guide at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic and the FanZone at Maryvale Baseball Park beginning Monday afternoon.
Tomorrow is the first full workout for the team. It should be another busy day here as a new routine begins. I should have some more photos up for you this weekend. Also, look for a behind the scenes tour of Maryvale Baseball Park in the next couple of days as well. Some of you have never been able to come out here before and we want to make sure you are able to see what goes on here at Maryvale. We should have that up for you all next week.
–John
John and Cait
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