The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began not in Milwaukee, but in Seattle as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. After only one season, the financially troubled Pilots were purchased by a Milwaukee-based group led by Allan H. “Bud” Selig and moved to Milwaukee for the 1970 season.
Since then, the Brewers have played in both the American League and National League, won an American League pennant, captured multiple division championships and produced some of baseball’s greatest players.
There is, however, one major championship still missing from the franchise history: the Brewers have never won a World Series.
The Beginning: The Seattle Pilots
Major League Baseball expanded in 1969, creating four new franchises.
One of those teams was the Seattle Pilots, who played in the American League West.
The Pilots played their home games at Sick’s Stadium, which was not considered adequate for a modern Major League team.
The franchise struggled financially and finished its only season with a 64–98 record.
After the 1969 season, the franchise went bankrupt.
Milwaukee businessman Bud Selig led a group that purchased the Pilots out of bankruptcy on March 31, 1970. Seven days later, the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers began the 1970 season.
The Brewers therefore have a unique distinction: their franchise history includes both the 1969 Seattle Pilots and the Milwaukee Brewers beginning in 1970.
Milwaukee Brewers Owners
The Brewers have had four principal ownership eras. William R. Daley and Dewey & Max Soriano 1969.
The original ownership group controlled the Seattle Pilots during their one season.
The Pilots were owned by a group headed by William R. Daley, with Dewey and Max Soriano among the principal owners.
The franchise was in severe financial trouble by the end of the 1969 season.
Bud Selig
1970–1997
Allan H. “Bud” Selig led the group that purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots and moved them to Milwaukee.
Selig became the defining owner of the early Brewers.
Under his ownership, Milwaukee eventually became one of the American League’s strongest teams.
The 1982 Brewers won the American League pennant and reached the World Series.
The team featured future Hall of Famers including:
Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Don Sutton.
Selig later became Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
The Baseball Hall of Fame elected Selig in 2017.
Wendy Selig-Prieb
1998–2004
When Bud Selig became commissioner, his ownership interest was transferred to a blind trust and ultimately to his daughter Wendy Selig-Prieb.
She became the Brewers’ principal owner and president/CEO.
The team struggled during much of this period, including a long stretch of losing seasons.
The Selig family eventually agreed to sell the franchise.
Mark Attanasio
2005–Present
Mark Attanasio became principal owner after MLB approved the sale in January 2005.
Attanasio purchased the club for approximately $223 million.
His ownership group has included investors such as John Canning Jr., David Uihlein, Harris Turer and Stephen Marcus, among others.
Under Attanasio, Milwaukee ended its long run of losing seasons and returned to postseason baseball.
The Brewers reached the postseason in 2008, the NLCS in 2011, the NLCS again in 2018, and established themselves as one of the National League’s most consistently competitive clubs.
Brewers Home Ballparks
Sick’s Stadium
Seattle Pilots — 1969
The franchise’s original home was Sick’s Stadium in Seattle.
The Pilots played there for only one season.
Milwaukee County Stadium
1970–2000
When the franchise moved to Milwaukee, the Brewers played at Milwaukee County Stadium.
The stadium had originally been built for the Milwaukee Braves and became the home of the Brewers beginning in 1970.
It hosted some of the greatest moments of the early Brewers era, including the 1982 American League pennant-winning season.
County Stadium also hosted the 1975 All-Star Game.
The Brewers remained there through the 2000 season.
Miller Park
2001–2020
The Brewers moved into the new Miller Park in 2001.
The stadium featured a retractable roof, allowing games to be played despite Milwaukee’s unpredictable weather.
Miller Park became famous for its retractable roof, Bernie Brewer, the sausage races and the distinctive fan atmosphere.
American Family Field
2021–Present
Miller Park was renamed American Family Field beginning in 2021.
It remains the home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The ballpark has continued the tradition of the famous retractable roof and has become one of the most recognizable stadiums in Major League Baseball.
The Brewers Change Leagues
The Brewers spent most of their history in the American League.
They moved from the AL West to the AL East in 1972.
In 1994, MLB realigned the divisions, placing Milwaukee in the new American League Central.
Then came one of the biggest changes in franchise history.
In 1998, the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League Central.
Milwaukee therefore became only the second modern MLB franchise, along with Houston, to play in both leagues.
The 1982 Milwaukee Brewers
The greatest team of the early Brewers era was the 1982 club.
Known for their powerful offense, the Brewers became known as “Harvey’s Wallbangers”, named after manager Harvey Kuenn.
The lineup included:
Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Gorman, Thomas, Ted Simmons, Jim Gantner, Charlie Moore,
The pitching staff included:
Don Sutton, Pete Vuckovich, Rollie Fingers, Moose Haas
The Brewers finished the regular season 95–67 and won the American League East.
They defeated the California Angels in the AL Championship Series.
Milwaukee then faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
1982 World Series
The Brewers lost the World Series to St. Louis.
St. Louis Cardinals 4
Milwaukee Brewers 3
The Series became famous for its dramatic back-and-forth nature.
Milwaukee won three games, but St. Louis captured the championship in seven games.
The 1982 World Series remains the only World Series appearance in Brewers franchise history.
Have the Brewers Ever Won the World Series?
No. The Milwaukee Brewers have never won a World Series.
They have reached the World Series once:
1982 — Lost to St. Louis Cardinals, 4–3
The Brewers have also reached the National League Championship Series several times since moving to the National League, but they have not returned to the World Series.
That makes Milwaukee one of the few long-established MLB franchises still seeking its first World Series championship.
Brewers MVP Winners
The Brewers have produced five American League or National League Most Valuable Player Award winners.
Rollie Fingers — 1981
Fingers became the first Brewers player to win MVP.
He was also the American League Cy Young Award winner that season.
His combination of relief pitching and durability made him one of the most valuable players in baseball.
Robin Yount — 1982
Yount won his first MVP Award during Milwaukee’s pennant-winning season.
He hit:
.331 batting average
29 home runs
114 RBI
210 hits
Yount was the centerpiece of the 1982 Brewers.
Robin Yount — 1989
Yount won his second MVP Award in 1989.
He became one of only a small number of players to win MVP Awards at two different positions.
Ryan Braun — 2011
Braun won the National League MVP Award in 2011.
He hit:
.332
33 home runs
111 RBI
33 stolen bases
Braun became one of the faces of the Brewers’ resurgence.
Christian Yelich — 2018
Yelich won the National League MVP Award during his first full season with Milwaukee.
He hit:
.326
36 home runs
110 RBI
25 stolen bases
Yelich helped lead Milwaukee to the National League Championship Series.
The Brewers’ official awards list confirms five MVP awards: Fingers in 1981, Yount in 1982 and 1989, Braun in 2011 and Yelich in 2018.
Brewers Rookie of the Year Winners
The Brewers have produced three Rookie of the Year winners.
Pat Listach — 1992
Listach won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1992.
He became the first Brewers player to win the award since the franchise’s move to Milwaukee.
Ryan Braun — 2007
Braun won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2007.
He immediately became one of the most dangerous young hitters in baseball.
Devin Williams — 2020
Pitcher Devin Williams won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
He became one of Milwaukee’s dominant relief pitchers.
The Brewers officially list Listach, Braun and Williams as their three Rookie of the Year winners.
Brewers Cy Young Award Winners
Milwaukee has produced three Cy Young Award winners.
Rollie Fingers — 1981
Fingers became the first Brewers pitcher to win the award.
Pete Vuckovich — 1982
Vuckovich won the award during Milwaukee’s pennant-winning season.
Corbin Burnes — 2021
Burnes won the National League Cy Young Award after dominating hitters with his fastball and devastating cutter.
The Brewers officially recognize all three winners.
National Baseball Hall of Fame Brewers
Several players who wore a Brewers uniform have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Hank Aaron
Position: Outfielder
Brewers: 1975–1976
Born: Mobile, Alabama
Hall of Fame: 1982
Aaron joined Milwaukee after the Braves franchise had moved to Atlanta.
He finished his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Aaron hit the final 22 home runs of his career as a Brewer.
He finished with 755 career home runs.
His hometown was Mobile, Alabama.
Rollie Fingers
Position: Pitcher
Brewers: 1981–1985
Born: Steubenville, Ohio
Hall of Fame: 1992
Fingers was one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball history.
He won the 1981 MVP and Cy Young Awards with Milwaukee.
Paul Molitor
Position: Infielder/Designated Hitter
Brewers: 1978–1992
Born: St. Paul, Minnesota
Hall of Fame: 2004
Molitor spent 15 seasons with Milwaukee.
He finished his career with 3,319 hits.
Don Sutton
Position: Pitcher
Brewers: 1982–1984
Born: Clio, Alabama
Hall of Fame: 1998
Sutton joined the Brewers during the 1982 championship season.
His presence helped strengthen the Milwaukee rotation.
Robin Yount
Position: Shortstop/Outfielder
Brewers: 1974–1993
Born: Danville, Illinois
Hall of Fame: 1999
Yount is arguably the greatest player in Brewers history.
He spent his entire 20-year career with Milwaukee.
He won two MVP Awards and finished his career with:
3,142 hits
251 home runs
1,406 RBI
.285 batting average
Ted Simmons
Position: Catcher
Brewers: 1981–1985
Born: Highland Park, Michigan
Hall of Fame: 2020
Simmons was an important part of the 1982 American League championship team.
He was one of the premier offensive catchers of his generation.
Trevor Hoffman
Position: Pitcher
Brewers: 2009–2010
Born: Bellflower, California
Hall of Fame: 2018
Hoffman joined Milwaukee late in his career and became the first pitcher to reach 600 career saves.
Dave Parker
Position: Outfielder
Brewers: 1990
Born: Grenada, Mississippi
Hall of Fame: 2025
Parker spent only one season with Milwaukee, but his career accomplishments eventually earned him election to Cooperstown.
CC Sabathia
Position: Pitcher
Brewers: 2008
Born: Vallejo, California
Hall of Fame: 2025
Sabathia joined Milwaukee in a midseason trade with Cleveland in 2008.
He went 11–2 with a 1.65 ERA for Milwaukee and helped the Brewers reach the postseason for the first time since 1982.
He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.
The Brewers’ official Hall of Fame list includes Aaron, Fingers, Hoffman, Molitor, Parker, Sabathia, Simmons, Sutton and Yount.
Brewers National Baseball Hall of Fame Players — Quick List
Player
Brewers Years
Position
Hometown
Hall of Fame
Hank Aaron
1975–76
OF
Mobile, Alabama
1982
Rollie Fingers
1981–85
P
Steubenville, Ohio
1992
Don Sutton
1982–84
P
Clio, Alabama
1998
Paul Molitor
1978–92
IF/DH
St. Paul, Minnesota
2004
Robin Yount
1974–93
SS/OF
Danville, Illinois
1999
Ted Simmons
1981–85
C
Highland Park, Michigan
2020
Trevor Hoffman
2009–10
P
Bellflower, California
2018
Dave Parker
1990
OF
Grenada, Mississippi
2025
CC Sabathia
2008
P
Vallejo, California
2025
Players the Brewers Traded Before They Became Stars
Every franchise has players who got away. Milwaukee has had several notable examples.
Paul Konerko
One of the most famous examples is Paul Konerko.
Konerko was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994.
Milwaukee acquired him in a trade while he was still a young minor leaguer.
The Brewers later traded him to the Cincinnati Reds in 1998 before he established himself as a Major League star.
Konerko eventually became a six-time All-Star and the longtime captain of the Chicago White Sox.
He finished his career with:
439 home runs
2,340 hits
1,412 RBI
He helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series.
J.J. Hardy
Hardy was developed by Milwaukee and became an excellent shortstop.
He was eventually traded to the Minnesota Twins.
Hardy later became an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles and a three-time Gold Glove winner.
Nelson Cruz
Cruz spent time in the Brewers organization as a young player before being traded to the Texas Rangers.
He eventually became a major power hitter and multiple-time All-Star.
Players Who Came to Milwaukee Before Becoming Stars
The Brewers have also benefited from acquiring players before they reached their peak.
CC Sabathia
The Brewers acquired Sabathia from Cleveland during the 2008 season.
He immediately became a dominant force in Milwaukee and helped the Brewers reach the postseason.
Carlos Lee
Lee became one of Milwaukee’s most productive power hitters after joining the organization.
He later became an All-Star with the White Sox, Brewers and Astros.
Prince Fielder
Fielder was developed by Milwaukee and became one of the greatest power hitters in franchise history.
He won the 2009 Home Run Derby and became a six-time All-Star.
The 2008 Brewers Return to the Playoffs
The 2008 season ended a 26-year postseason drought.
Milwaukee acquired CC Sabathia during the season.
Sabathia went 11–2 with a 1.65 ERA after joining the Brewers.
The team also featured:
Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart, Bill Hall, Ben Sheets.
The Brewers finished 90–72 and earned the National League Wild Card.
They lost the Division Series to the Philadelphia Phillies, who eventually won the World Series.
The 2011 Brewers
The 2011 team became one of the greatest clubs in modern Brewers history.
The lineup featured:
Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart, Jonathan Lucroy,
The pitching staff included:
Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, John Axford.
Milwaukee won the National League Central.
The Brewers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Division Series.
They then faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series.
St. Louis won the NLCS 4–2.
The Cardinals went on to win the World Series.
The 2018 Brewers
Christian Yelich’s 2018 MVP season helped transform the Brewers into an NL powerhouse.
Milwaukee won 96 games and captured the National League Central after a dramatic tiebreaker game against the Chicago Cubs.
The Brewers defeated Colorado in the Division Series.
They then faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
Los Angeles won the series 4–3.
The 2021 Brewers
Milwaukee won the National League Central in 2021.
The team was led by:
Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Josh Hader, Christian Yelich, Willy Adames
Burnes won the National League Cy Young Award.
The Brewers lost the Division Series to the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta eventually won the World Series.
The Modern Brewers
Under Mark Attanasio, Milwaukee has become one of baseball’s most consistent small-market organizations.
The Brewers have emphasized:
Player development
International scouting
Pitching development
Defensive versatility
Bullpen strength
Aggressive baserunning
Trades for controllable players
The organization has repeatedly built competitive teams without operating with the financial resources of baseball’s largest markets.
MLB noted that Milwaukee has been among the National League’s most successful teams during Attanasio’s ownership, including multiple postseason appearances and division championships.
Brewers Hall of Fame and Wall of Honor
In addition to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Brewers maintain their own historical honors.
The Brewers’ Wall of Honor recognizes players, coaches, executives and broadcasters who made important contributions to the organization.
Its members include:
Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Cecil Cooper, Gorman Thomas, Jim Gantner, Bob Uecker, Ben Sheets, Jonathan Lucroy, Trevor Hoffman, Yovani Gallardo, Lorenzo Cain, Carlos Gómez, Craig Counsell
Bud Selig
The Brewers created the Wall of Honor in 2014 with an inaugural class of 58 members.
The Greatest Brewers of All Time
If a Mount Rushmore of Milwaukee Brewers players were created, four names would be almost impossible to leave off:
Robin Yount
The greatest all-around player in franchise history.
Paul Molitor
A Hall of Fame hitter who spent 15 seasons in Milwaukee.
Rollie Fingers
The legendary relief pitcher who won both MVP and Cy Young in 1981.
Ryan Braun
The 2011 MVP and one of the most productive hitters in franchise history.
Other franchise legends include:
Hank Aaron, Cecil Cooper, Gorman Thomas, Ben Oglivie, Ted Simmons, Prince Fielder
Christian Yelich, Don Sutton, Jim Gantner, George Scott, Ben Sheets, Corey Hart, Jonathan Lucroy
Brewers Major Awards
Most Valuable Player
Rollie Fingers — 1981
Robin Yount — 1982
Robin Yount — 1989
Ryan Braun — 2011
Christian Yelich — 2018
Cy Young Award
Rollie Fingers — 1981
Pete Vuckovich — 1982
Corbin Burnes — 2021
Rookie of the Year
Pat Listach — 1992
Ryan Braun — 2007
Devin Williams — 2020
Milwaukee Brewers World Series History
Year
Opponent
Result
1982
St. Louis Cardinals
Lost 4–3
World Series Championships: 0
World Series Appearances: 1
The Brewers remain one of Major League Baseball’s franchises searching for their first World Series championship.
Milwaukee Brewers Historical Timeline
1969 — Seattle Pilots begin play.
1969 — Pilots finish 64–98.
1970 — Bud Selig group purchases Pilots and moves franchise to Milwaukee.
1972 — Brewers move from AL West to AL East.
1974 — Robin Yount makes his Major League debut.
1975 — Hank Aaron joins Milwaukee.
1978 — Paul Molitor begins his Brewers career.
1981 — Rollie Fingers wins MVP and Cy Young.
1982 — Robin Yount wins MVP.
1982 — Brewers win American League pennant.
1982 — Brewers lose World Series to St. Louis Cardinals, 4–3.
1989 — Robin Yount wins his second MVP.
1992 — Pat Listach wins Rookie of the Year.
1993 — Yount’s final season.
1994 — Brewers enter the new American League Central.
1998 — Brewers move from American League to National League.
2001 — Brewers move into Miller Park.
2004 — Selig family agrees to sell team.
2005 — Mark Attanasio becomes owner.
2007 — Ryan Braun wins Rookie of the Year.
2008 — Brewers return to postseason for first time since 1982.
2009 — Trevor Hoffman joins Milwaukee.
2011 — Ryan Braun wins MVP; Brewers win NL Central.
2018 — Christian Yelich wins MVP; Brewers reach NLCS.
2020 — Devin Williams wins Rookie of the Year.
2021 — Corbin Burnes wins Cy Young; Brewers win NL Central.
2025 — Dave Parker and CC Sabathia are inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
2026 — Mark Attanasio remains principal owner.
The Legacy of the Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have never had the enormous financial resources of baseball’s biggest clubs, but the franchise has built a remarkable history.
It began with a bankrupt Seattle expansion team that lasted only one year.
Bud Selig rescued that franchise and brought it to Milwaukee.
From there came the 1982 American League champions, the careers of Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, the legendary relief pitching of Rollie Fingers, the power of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, the MVP season of Christian Yelich and the modern pitching dominance of Corbin Burnes.
The Brewers have also produced or employed some of baseball’s greatest players, including Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Don Sutton, Trevor Hoffman, Dave Parker and CC Sabathia.
But one accomplishment remains unfinished.
The Milwaukee Brewers have never won a World Series.
That missing championship is one of the central parts of the franchise’s story—and one of the reasons every new Brewers team begins a season with the opportunity to make history.
Milwaukee Brewers by the Numbers
Founded: 1969 as Seattle Pilots
Moved to Milwaukee: 1970
Original League: American League
Current League: National League
Current Division: NL Central
Original Seattle Ballpark: Sick’s Stadium
First Milwaukee Ballpark: Milwaukee County Stadium
Second Milwaukee Ballpark: Miller Park
Current Ballpark: American Family Field
World Series Championships: 0
World Series Appearances: 1
American League Pennants: 1
MVP Awards: 5
Cy Young Awards: 3
Rookie of the Year Awards: 3
National Baseball Hall of Famers who played for Milwaukee: 9
First Principal Owner in Milwaukee: Bud Selig
Current Principal Owner: Mark Attanasio
Greatest Franchise Player: Robin Yount
This gives you a full Brewers history in the same style as the Royals, including the Seattle Pilots connection, every principal ownership era, all Brewers-associated National Baseball Hall of Famers with hometowns, ballparks, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young winners, World Series history, and notable players who left Milwaukee and became stars.
Artie Fischal
