Brewers Downplay Craig Counsell Reunion in Playoffs

The upcoming National League Division Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs is packed with intrigue. You won’t hear that from the Brewers’ clubhouse, though.

Fans and media might obsess over the storyline of facing former Brewers manager Craig Counsell. The players, though, keep their focus on baseball itself.

Counsell’s surprise jump to the Cubs before the 2024 season sent shockwaves around MLB. But under Pat Murphy, Milwaukee hasn’t just stayed afloat — they’ve thrived, clinching back-to-back division titles and hitting a franchise record with 97 wins.

This matchup sets the stage for intense playoff baseball. Emotions will run high, and the fan base is as divided as ever.

Downplaying the Counsell Reunion

Counsell’s name pops up everywhere before the series, but Brewers veterans aren’t buying into any revenge talk. Christian Yelich even joked that Counsell doesn’t have “exotic blitz packages” to throw at them, making light of the idea that this is anything more than another hard-fought game.

For these players, the former manager — who still lives in the Milwaukee area — is just another opponent across the field. Ten Brewers, including injured ace Brandon Woodruff, played under Counsell as recently as 2023.

Inside the clubhouse, the message is simple: focus on October baseball, not old grudges.

Respect and Contrast Between Managers

Brewers players have a lot of respect for both Counsell and Murphy, each with their own style. Under Murphy, the Brewers have found fresh success, partly thanks to his hands-on, direct communication approach.

Outfielder Sal Frelick pointed out that Murphy gives clear direction, so players know what’s expected. Counsell, on the other hand, gave players more freedom and trusted them to manage their own roles.

That contrast isn’t a problem. It just shows different philosophies, and both have worked. Murphy’s time already includes two division crowns and that standout 97-win season.

The Fan Factor: Boos and Cheers

If there’s one part of the Counsell storyline the Brewers mention, it’s the crowd. Counsell still gets booed when he returns to American Family Field, and he’ll probably hear it again during the series.

That’s not coming from the players — Freddy Peralta even said he likes Counsell — but from a passionate fanbase reacting to a big move inside the division. Team owner Mark Attanasio also spoke up, saying he never felt “burned” by Counsell’s exit even if it surprised him.

His public comments keep the organization focused on what’s next, not what’s gone.

A Playoff Atmosphere Beyond the Box Score

Both Milwaukee and Chicago fans will pack the stadium for this series. Players expect a lively, mixed crowd that’ll ramp up the tension and energy, but they’re not worried about distractions.

This series has all the makings of classic October baseball:

• Two historic NL Central rivals.
• Star players on the big stage.
• Fan intensity on every pitch.
• Emotions running high after the managerial shakeup.

Looking Ahead to Game One

The Brewers head into the NLDS with confidence from their division dominance and their ability to adapt under Murphy. The Cubs, led by Counsell, are hungry too, and there’s definitely some extra motivation with him facing his old team.

The headlines might scream “Brewers vs. Counsell,” but for the players, it’s just a shot to move closer to the National League pennant.

Final Thoughts

The Brewers-Cubs NLDS isn’t just another playoff matchup. It’s a wild mix of history, loyalty, and that stubborn competitive pride you can’t fake.

Maybe the spotlight’s on Counsell coming back, or maybe it’s Murphy’s run that everyone’s talking about. Either way, you can bet the intensity will be off the charts.

 
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