It began in the mid-1970s and has been going on with various degrees of intensity ever since. My dad introduced us. Dad took my brother and I to see the relatively newly franchised Milwaukee Brewers at County Stadium. My dad loved baseball, and even more than watching the game, he loved teaching its many rules and nuances to his children. Thus began my long-standing love affair with baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Now… After 40ish years, The Brewers may have broken my heart one too many times. It may be time to part ways.
In 1982, they were flush with talent: Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Cecil Cooper (COOOOP!), Stormin’ Norman Thomas; and they played in the World Series. That fall is etched in my memory (aided by the fact that I was very pregnant with my son). I watched every pitch of every game (which isn’t easy to do when you’re very pregnant – if you’ve ever been very pregnant, you know what I’m talking about), including their heart-breaking game 7 loss to the dreaded St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers haven’t made it back to the World Series since — although the $&*# flippin’ Cards have had many subsequent appearances.
Last year, the Brewers had a Hot, Hot, Hot start to the season with an off-the charts winning record in April in May. Jonathan Lucroy (LUUUUUC!), their catcher was on fire, along with Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Gomez. (BTW – Aramis Ramirez is a fun name to say out loud–especially if you roll the ‘R’ in Arrrrramis-you should try it!.) After being in first place for most of the season, the Brew Crew collapsed in the late going, ending in third place. This year, they have the worst starting record of any team in baseball since the 1997 Chicago Cubs.
Worse. Than. The. Cubs. It’s almost more than I can bear. It might just be time to break it off. Too many false hopes, unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams.
As long as I can remember, I (like my dad) LOVED baseball. My dad would play catch with me and my brothers for hours. My bros played Little League – I did not, since I was (and still am) a girl. (FYI – there were many interesting things girls could not do in that time and place–it drove me absolutely batshit crazy.) Later in life I joined an adult women’s softball team, and learned to play a respectable second base; but alas, my hitting was weak and while my short little legs churned mightily, I could rarely beat the inevitable throw to first that followed my weak infield grounder.
But, back to those good-for-nothing Brewers. Just as I’m on the brink of calling it off – they won a game — and are stringing me along with the slightest glimmer of hope. They can Change – Really, they Can! Hah! I learned a long time ago you can’t count on anyone changing for the sake of a relationship.
Maybe I need to start seeing other teams.