'This is our division': Brewers run roughshod over NL Central yet again

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy is cruising along I-94 to Mitchell International Airport, with Bruce Springsteen’s "Racing in the Streets" blaring from the radio.

"Now, some guys they just give up living," Murphy sings along, "and start dying little by little, piece by piece."

He turns down the volume, clears his throat, and starts talking, revealing he’s far from giving up on life. In fact, at 65, he feels like he’s just beginning.

Despite a challenging season — with his best friend and key players moving on, including a Cy Young winner traded to Baltimore, three starters out for the year, an MVP undergoing season-ending back surgery, and an All-Star closer missing the first half — Murphy has managed to keep his team performing like legends.

The Brewers, playing in baseball’s smallest market with the 22nd-highest payroll, sometimes field a lineup featuring six rookies and have a bullpen so under-the-radar it needs ID to enter opposing ballparks. Yet, they have become one of baseball’s most surprising success stories and the Chicago Cubs' worst nightmare.

Despite a season filled with hurdles, including using a franchise-record 17 starting pitchers, the Brewers hold the top spot in the NL Central with the largest lead in baseball — 10 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals. They are on track for their sixth postseason appearance and fourth division title in seven years, and this one feels particularly rewarding.

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio tells USA TODAY Sports, "This is as much fun as I’ve had since I’ve owned the team. This team is special. You can see it by the way they play."

The departure of manager Craig Counsell to the Cubs, Milwaukee's rival, and former president David Stearns’ move to the Mets have stung the fan base. The Brewers also traded Corbin Burnes to the Orioles, realizing he wouldn’t stay beyond free agency.

"Nobody outside believes in us," says veteran starter Wade Miley, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but remains involved with the team. "They count us out every year. But here in Milwaukee, it’s expected that we make the playoffs every year. This is our division."

Outside Milwaukee, few would have predicted the Brewers’ dominance. The Cubs were favored to win the division after hiring Counsell and making other moves, the Reds were expected to rise with their young talent, the Cardinals were poised for a comeback with new veteran starters, and the Pirates were anticipated to make a significant leap.

Yet, the Brewers find themselves tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the second-best record in the National League as of Sunday, leading the division for all but 14 days this season.

"We faced a lot of turmoil in the offseason," says Brewers GM Matt Arnold. "The odds were against us, but we believed in the right mix of people to navigate through one of the most challenging periods in Brewers history."

Arnold ponders the hypothetical impact of still having Burnes, who is in the running for the AL Cy Young award with the Orioles. "Thinking like that isn’t healthy. We had to make uncomfortable decisions, like trading Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes, but we need to do things differently to achieve long-term success and aim for a championship in Milwaukee."

Arnold’s commitment to Milwaukee was solidified despite interest from the Mets. Murphy’s decision to stay instead of joining Counsell in Chicago reflects a shared dedication to the team. This loyalty is reminiscent of stars like Robin Yount and Ryan Braun, who stayed with the Brewers, and Christian Yelich, who signed a nine-year extension.

For first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who joined the Brewers on a two-year, $34 million deal, the reality of the Brewers' passionate fan base and their impact on the community has been "nothing short of awesome."

With a devoted fan base and recent approval of over $500 million in public funds to upgrade their ballpark, the Brewers are cherished throughout Wisconsin. Since 2004, they have drawn at least two million fans every season not affected by COVID-19.

Attanasio reflects on the support, saying, "Baseball means so much to the city and the state. We receive immense support, and it’s incredibly rewarding for everyone."

Murphy, however, remains focused on the task at hand. He’s the first to arrive at the ballpark each day and one of the last to leave, intent on not celebrating until the division is officially clinched.

"Just win tonight — that’s our mantra," Murphy says. "We’ve overcome a lot. We have players who’ve been overlooked or doubted. But they’ve made me believe in them. They love to compete. But we haven’t accomplished anything yet."

The departure of Counsell, a two-time World Series champion and the Brewers' winningest manager, could have been a major disruption. However, Attanasio is glad they chose to maintain the team’s core.

The players believe in Murphy, who, despite being a seasoned coach and former bench coach under Counsell, brings a distinct approach. "Murphy is a motivator," says Miley. "He says the right things at the right times and lights a fire under you. The guys want to play hard for him."

Murphy's monthly clubhouse meetings foster open communication, making everyone feel connected and valued. "It’s great to have a forum to express views and make us better," Hoskins says.

While the Brewers may not have the most talent or highest salaries, their ability to develop and identify talent, combined with a unique team culture, keeps them competitive year after year.

"This is why no one here is surprised by what we’re doing," Miley notes. "It’s the mentality, the minor-league system, and the right fit for the clubhouse. We’re not going away."

**Thanks for the Memories**

Brewers GM Matt Arnold, a die-hard Oakland A’s fan from Bakersfield, California, took his family to Oakland for the Brewers' final games at the Coliseum. He reminisced about childhood memories, including carving initials into the left-field bleachers with his family.

Arnold’s nostalgic visit was a chance to relive old memories and cherish them one last time. "It’s sad," he said. "I’m really going to miss that place."

**Around the Basepaths**

- MLB managers were stunned by the recent extensions of Tennessee coach Tony Vitello and Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle, highlighting the disparity in pay compared to baseball managers.

- Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais was notified of his firing via social media, a shocking and disrespectful way to learn of his dismissal.

- Shohei Ohtani’s dramatic walk-off grand slam could secure his third MVP award, and he is also vying for the 50-50 club as he continues to impress.

- Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. might need a historic September to surpass Aaron Judge for the AL MVP, with Judge on pace for another extraordinary season.

- The San Diego Padres are set to improve with the return of Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Joe Musgrove, bolstering their roster.

- Atlanta Braves, despite injuries to key players, remain competitive and are close in the NL standings.

- An unfortunate mishap occurred when a fan dropped Ohtani’s 40th homer ball, which was picked up by Rays’ Jose Siri and thrown back into the crowd.

- Billy Milos of the Colorado Rockies is recognized for his talent in scouting independent league players who reach the majors.

- Arizona Diamondbacks backup catcher Adrian Del Castillo is making a strong impression with his hitting.

- Kris Bryant’s struggles with injuries have led to disappointment in his contract with the Rockies.

- The Dodgers released outfielder Jason Heyward despite his recent clutch performance, a tough decision amid roster changes.

- The Blue Jays are considering moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back to third base, given the depth of free-agent first basemen available.

- The Texas Rangers’ future looks promising with the return of Jacob deGrom and the addition of rookies Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.

- Joey Votto’s career ended with a sense of unfulfilled potential, as he did not make it back to the majors with the Blue Jays.

- The Orioles' trade for Trevor Rogers has not panned out as hoped, leading to his demotion after poor performance.

- The Pirates will continue to rely on rookie Paul Skenes, who remains a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year.

- Anthony Santander is having a standout season, making him a sought-after free agent this winter.

- Rod Carew, at 78, was officially sworn in as a U.S. citizen, a significant milestone for the Hall of Famer.

- Seven NL teams have posted winning records since the All-Star break, with four from the NL West leading the charge.

- Chicago White Sox starter Chris Flexen set an unwanted record with 19 consecutive losses in games he started.

- The Padres’ depth is showcased by their limited use of position players this season.

- Yankees starter Marcus Stroman has committed $25,000 in scholarships to Bronx high school students.

- Former closer Brad Lidge is now pursuing a Ph.D. in ancient Roman archaeology, reflecting on his career with a new focus.