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. … Continue reading Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
