Milwaukee Brewers

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1969

  • Original Name/City: Seattle Pilots

  • Current Ballpark: American Family Field

  • World Series Titles: 0

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Brew Crew

A History of the Milwaukee Brewers

The franchise now known as the Brewers began life in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots, an American League expansion team. The Pilots lasted just one season in Seattle before the team was purchased in bankruptcy court by future MLB commissioner Bud Selig. He moved the team to Milwaukee just before the start of the 1970 season.

Renamed the Brewers in honor of the city's rich brewing tradition, the team spent its first few years establishing itself in the American League. The franchise's first golden era came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A powerful slugging team known as "Harvey's Wallbangers" (named for manager Harvey Kuenn), they took the league by storm.

With a lineup featuring future Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, and a bullpen anchored by Cy Young winner Rollie Fingers, the Brewers captured the 1982 American League Pennant in a thrilling five-game series. They ultimately lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, but their exciting brand of baseball captivated the state of Wisconsin.

After two decades of struggles, the franchise found new life upon moving to their new home, Miller Park (now American Family Field) in 2001. A significant change occurred in 1998 when the Brewers switched from the American League to the National League, where they reside today.

The 21st century has been the most successful and sustained period of competitiveness in franchise history. Led by stars like Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Christian Yelich, the Brewers have made multiple postseason appearances and won several division titles.

They consistently energize their passionate "Brew Crew" fanbase as they continue the hunt for the franchise's first World Series championship.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1969: Founded as the Seattle Pilots in the American League.

  • 1970: Relocated to Milwaukee, becoming the Milwaukee Brewers.

  • 1982: Won their only American League Pennant.

  • 1998: Moved from the American League to the National League.

  • 2001: Moved into Miller Park (now American Family Field).

Legendary Players

Robin Yount (1974-1993)

  • "The Kid" is the greatest player in Brewers history, spending his entire 20-year career in Milwaukee. He won two AL MVP awards at two different positions (shortstop in 1982 and center field in 1989), a feat of versatility matched by few. The Hall of Famer is the franchise leader in nearly every major offensive category.

Paul Molitor (1978-1992)

  • A teammate of Yount's for 15 seasons, "The Ignitor" was a professional hitting machine and a daring baserunner. The Hall of Fame infielder collected over 3,000 hits in his career and captivated the nation with a 39-game hitting streak in 1987.

Rollie Fingers (1981-1985)

  • Known for his trademark handlebar mustache, Fingers was a pioneering relief pitcher who became the anchor of the "Wallbangers" bullpen. In 1981, he had a historic season, becoming one of just a few players to win both the Cy Young and MVP awards in the same year.

Christian Yelich (2018-Present)

  • Yelich arrived via trade in 2018 and immediately became the face of the modern Brewers. In his first season, he won the NL MVP award and led the team to the NLCS, falling just one game short of the World Series. His smooth swing and all-around talent have defined the most successful era in franchise history.