MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — Brewers fans of all ages packed the tailgate at American Family Field this Memorial Day to catch the latest round of the I-94 rivalry between the Crew and the Cubs.
This game day came with an added bonus: former manager Craig Counsell’s first trip back to the Cream City.
Some fans say his return is bittersweet.
“He's a Milwaukee guy, we're happy he coached the Brewers for as long as he did and gave so much to the organization. He's a legend. I'm not really upset with him, it’s business,” said Don Laack.
“I’m not mad. He's a hometown boy. So, I wish Counsell the best of luck, just not when he's playing the Brewers,” said Angela Laack.
Don and Angela Laack are lifelong Brewers fans.
Growing up in St. Francis, the brother and sister say some of their best memories come from spending the day at the ballpark.
“Back then, you could come in like the seventh inning and sneak in, well, they let you in; the gates were open. But you could go to a lot of games and my parents were great about taking us down here and picking us up. It was so fun,” said Don.
They say those traditions live on, especially when it comes to marking big moments, like Counsell’s first time back.
“I’m afraid he's going to get some boos, but I hope he gets more cheers than boos. Because I want him to feel that we're appreciative. But also ‘Hey, you know, you still went to Chicago,’ but he deserves some respect,” said Don.
One fan who says he plans to give Counsell a little bit of a hard time is longtime fan Andy Ryan.
“You couldn’t pay me enough money in the world to go there. Cubs offer me any amount of money; I won't go there. I won't go to a game or anything. Good luck,” said Ryan.
Flying high above his tailgate is a special flag he made dedicated to the former manager.
Inspired by the Cubs’ ‘Fly The W’ banner, Ryan says he is disappointed the skipper took off for their rivals, but says it is all in good fun.
“Maybe a quick glance around the third. A little wink, something like that. I think it's going to be a fun game,” said Ryan.
While waiting in line to get into the ballpark, both Cubs and Brewers fans had quite a bit to say about the homecoming.
Chicago Cubs fans were excited to see Counsell at the helm.
"I'm so glad Milwaukee was dumb enough to get rid of him," said Sergio Carnivele. "We know all of your secrets now. We know all of your pitching. We know all of your hitting. It's going to be a wrap."
Other Cubs fans hope Counsell can help with the rebuild.
"We're definitely excited," said Zach Hicks. "Miss David Ross a little bit, but I think it's a new chapter in Cubs baseball."
Brewers fans on the other hand were not so happy about Counsell.
"I don't like it," said Adam Rychtik, who was attending the game for his birthday. "I Hope he loses. Every time he comes here, I hope he loses."
"He's got no place here, no home in Milwaukee," said J.D. Neubauer. "We don't want to see him. He can leave."
Fans say they don’t expect the boys to take it easy on Counsell for their first showing but say they hope it is the start of a brand-new era between the team and its old skipper.
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