SPORTS LINE
It has been one of those years for the Milwaukee Brewers.
It feels like every news story regarding the team is either devastating injury news or a recap of another disappointing loss. Just this past week, José Quintana was the latest starting pitcher to be added to the IL, piling on to the tragic news that Brandon Woodruff’s return to the big leagues has been delayed once again due to an ankle injury. On the field, these injuries and setbacks have taken their toll. Fortunately, good things are coming. It’s been 25 years since the Milwaukee Brewers’ ballpark first welcomed fans through its gates. The stadium, initially known as Miller Park before becoming American Family Field before the 2021 season, officially opened for regular-season action on April 6, 2001, with a game against the Cincinnati Reds, the same team that helped close the Brewers’ former home, County Stadium, the previous season.
On July 25, when the Brewers take on the Miami Marlins at 3:10 p.m., the team will toast to a quarter century at their ballpark, which represented a dynamic change for the franchise with its state-of-the-art retractable roof. To celebrate in style, the Brewers will welcome back a notable player from each roster year from 2001 to 2025 to connect with fans during activities throughout the day. In addition, the Brewers will offer fans special savings opportunities on concessions and retail, as well as other fun activities in the ballpark gameday experience.
Alumni representing the 25 rosters will include Bill Hall, JJ Hardy, Corey Hart, Jose Hernandez, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo, Cory Knebel, Dan Kolb, George Kottaras, Mark Loretta, Casey McGehee, Nyjer Morgan, Mike Moustakas, Jace Peterson, Ben Sheets, Eric Sogard, and Eric Thames. They are just a few of the beloved players who will make their way back for the party with Brewers fans. Fans can plan to catch up with alumni in several ways during the celebratory day. Players will be positioned throughout the ballpark, pouring drinks at concessions, helping ring up items at the retail stores, and signing autographs. Fans should plan to arrive when the gates open at 1:40 p.m. to take advantage of some of the special opportunities, as well as be in their seats for a commemorative pre-game ceremony.
The Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo was always destined to be at the center of the NBA conversation this summer. Antetokounmpo has not asked for a trade. This past season, while powering the Bucks to a 48-34 record and the Eastern Conference’s No. 5 seed, Antetokounmpo put up stellar numbers. In 67 healthy games for the Bucks, the 30-year-old averaged 30.4 points on 60.1 percent field goal shooting and 61.7 percent free throw shooting, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He seems likely to make yet another All-NBA First Team once those are officially announced. Antetokounmpo is certainly good enough to lead another team to his second championship. He plans to make that happen again with the Milwaukee Buck,s yet rumors constantly swirl that he wants to be traded. Even after he has said he plans on staying in Milwaukee and raising his family here. He is putting his faith in the community that put their faith in him. The problem Antetokounmpo has is that the Bucks have done nearly everything he’s asked over the years by surrounding him with players or coaches that he wanted in the hunt for a first, and then, a second title. That most of the moves haven’t yet worked, or even come close, isn’t the Greek Freak’s fault, of course. His play remains above reproach. But they haven’t worked. And they don’t leave Milwaukee with a lot of runway to take yet another big swing.
The Green Bay Packers.
The team begins training for the coming NFL season, which kicks off on September 4th of 2025. Seems a long way away but the summer will fly on by. The new Canadian quarterback (waiting in the wings) should put an undue amount of pressure on Love to perform. It should be an interesting season for the Packers and all the team’s fans.
