Brazil’s celebrations in Milwaukee continued Friday as the team held a ball parade. We can safely say that some people are coming from town to summon them.
The Milwaukee Police Department’s announcement on social media estimated that more than 750,000 people marched in the city. This is well above the city of Milwaukee’s population in the most recent census, which was approximately 580,000 people. That census number does not include residents in the city’s major metropolitan area, however.
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By comparison, the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers drew an estimated 200,000 fans to celebrate the first of two consecutive titles in 2024.
In order for students not to miss out on the memorable day, Milwaukee Public Schools announced that all schools and district offices will be closed Friday. The official reason was “due to operations and safety impacts from the parade and celebration of Brewer”, but it is likely that a lot of students from the cutting class had to travel to the city to travel for the game classes had stayed in session.
After capturing the first title in franchise history on Wednesday, members of the Brewers were eager to see the Green Bay Packers beat the Carolina Panthers on Thursday at Lambeau Field. The Commissioner’s Trophy was on hand for the festivities as Sal Frelick performed the Lambeau Leap.
Frelick remained in a festive mood Friday morning as the players prepared for the parade to begin.
….. and compared to things.
Fans started lining up early in the morning in numbers to get a good spot during the parade, which ran through downtown Milwaukee and concluded at the Henry Maier Park Festival.
It wasn’t surprising to learn that the beer lines were packed before the parade even started. It is Rome, after all.
It wouldn’t have been a Brewer’s parade without remembering the late, great Bob Uecker.
Brewer’s mascots perform as Bernie Brewer and Barrelman celebrate with the crowd.
And how many ball parades feature running sausages?
Brewers fans are ready for the occasion.
Several former Brewers were part of the parade, including Hall of Famer pitcher Rollie Fingers, who pitched in Milwaukee from 1981 to ’85.
Finally, the Brewers took the stage at the Henry Mayer Park Festival and addressed a crowd of players, starting with team manager (and 2018 National League MVP) Christian Yelich.
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“It’s awesome, man,” Yelich said. “Everyone’s been waiting for this for a really long time. We’re just excited to be able to bring that trophy home to Milwaukee and share it with everyone who’s here today.”
Perhaps the biggest ovation was for Series MVP William Contreras, who fired up the already raucous audience by yelling “F*** you off, Brewers!”
Sal Frelick said, “I’m gonna have a beer for everybody here!” His teammates and staff want to check him out later, unless he walks away during the offseason.
Danihel Vogelbach’s hitting coach provided musical performances by singing (or “singing”) through to Wayne’s “mother’s station” fountains.
Hall of Famer and Brewers legend Robin Yount was riding Bob Uecker’s Harley motorcycle on stage, which must be some kind of connection to the legends of Milwaukee mythology.
The Brewers and their fans will certainly be in town for the first World Series championship for days, weeks and months of entertainment.