Miller Park: the place where I participated in my first 5k and received my high school diploma (yes, my graduation was held at Miller Park.) I have a Ryan Braun signed baseball and a Robin Yount jersey. I've raced Corey Hart in the Kids Zone and taken a picture in the giant glove. Being a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers for my whole life has presented me with wonderful memories and immense pride for my state.
The following are 10 amazing reasons why being a fan of the Crew has served me well all these years.
1. This video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SQjoGO773Y
With the undisputed best remake of the Sandlot, the Brewers prove they know how to have fun while showing their appreciation for one of the best movies ever made.
2. We have the best mascot
My childhood is filled with memories of watching Bernie Brewer going down the famous yellow slide, wishing I would only ever be so lucky as to have the same opportunity.
3. We have a team dog
You can't not love Hank. If you're not a Brewers fan, you can't argue that you're jealous your team doesn't have an adorable canine to cheer on.
4. We promote Wisconsin values
Take a look at our home baseball team, and you'll see our priorities are all in a row. Wisconsinites love beer, present in the team's name, cheese curds, present at concessions and fun for all, present at reasonable ticket prices.
5. The Racing Sausages
Another thing to add to the list of fun quirks Milwaukee baseball fans get to enjoy is the adrenaline rush accompanying rooting for your favorite meat product to win a foot race before the seventh inning starts.
6. Rain or shine, we'll always have a good time at Miller Park
We know when to tough it out, and when to close the roof and say "play ball." Wisconsin sports fans show their die-hard commitment enduring below freezing temperatures at Lambeau during football season, leaving us nothing to prove come Opening Day.
7. We get the wonderful excuse to tailgate several times a summer
My perfect day consists of grilling some brats, blasting some feel-good tunes over a speaker and competing in a grueling match of bag toss. Luckily, as a proud supporter of the Brewers, I get the chance to do this all in the stadium parking lot before the game.
8. We know the joys of rolling out the barrel
If you know the pleasure of rolling out the barrel, you just started singing the song in your head and now you have nostalgia. You're welcome.
9. We take chances on up and coming players, leading to some pretty exciting athletic moments
We got the chance to watch Zack Greinke deliver more than a few strikeouts and are now watching Josh Hader do the same.We have the delight of watching Eric Thames and Travis Shaw blast a few homers out of the park and Christian Yelich perfect his game. Although we don't have enough money to nail down the most elite names in baseball, we have the spirit to develop great players.
10. We'll always look out for each other
When there's a home run, you high-five the strangers surrounding you. When you see someone sporting a blue and gold jersey in another state, you share your love for the crew. Our team looks out for us donning a flag marked with every city in Wisconsin everywhere they go, and likewise we look out for each other.
We were there in 2011 when The Crew made a highly exciting playoff run, and we've been there through every rebuilding year. Just like we've called ourselves Bucks fans since before the days of the Greek Freak, we'll continue to proudly stand behind our Brewers. This is our crew.