History of Craig Counsell in Timeline

Craig Counsell is a former MLB infielder and the current manager of the Chicago Cubs. He previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers, holding the franchise record for managerial wins and leading them to five postseason appearances and one playoff series win. Counsell's managerial career is notable for his success in Milwaukee before joining their rival, the Chicago Cubs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1909: Historical Reference to Bill Bergen's Record

In 1909, Bill Bergen set the record for consecutive at-bats without a base hit, which Craig Counsell later tied in 2011.

August 21, 1970: Craig Counsell Born

On August 21, 1970, Craig Counsell was born in South Bend, Indiana. He would later become a professional baseball infielder and manager.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Historical Reference to Dave Campbell's Record

In 1973, Dave Campbell tied the record for consecutive at-bats without a base hit, which Craig Counsell later tied in 2011.

1992: Graduated from Notre Dame

In 1992, Craig Counsell graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he played baseball for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as an infielder.

1992: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 1992, Craig Counsell was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round of the MLB Draft, marking the start of his professional baseball career.

September 17, 1995: MLB Debut with Colorado Rockies

On September 17, 1995, Craig Counsell made his Major League Baseball debut with the Colorado Rockies, appearing in only three games that season.

July 1997: Traded to Florida Marlins

In July 1997, Craig Counsell was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the Florida Marlins for relief pitcher Mark Hutton. He became the Marlins' starting second baseman and played a key role in their World Series victory.

1997: Won World Series with Florida Marlins

In 1997, Craig Counsell won the World Series with the Florida Marlins. He batted in the tying run and scored the winning run in the series.

June 1999: Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers

In June 1999, Craig Counsell was traded by the Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguer Ryan Moskau.

2000: Signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2000, after being released by the Dodgers during spring training, Craig Counsell signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2001: Played First Base for Diamondbacks

In 2001, Craig Counsell played two games at first base for the Arizona Diamondbacks, adding to his versatility as an infielder.

2001: Named NLCS Most Valuable Player

In 2001, Craig Counsell was named the NLCS Most Valuable Player. He was on base when the Arizona Diamondbacks subsequently won the World Series.

2001: Won NLCS MVP

In 2001, Craig Counsell won the NLCS Most Valuable Player Award after batting .381 with 4 RBIs and 5 runs in the National League Championship Series. He later was on base for the Arizona Diamondbacks when they won the World Series.

2002: Highest-Rated Second Baseman

From 2002 to 2008, Craig Counsell was the highest-rated second baseman according to the SAFE (Spatial Aggregate Fielding Evaluation) method, with an average runs saved of 10.18.

2003: Traded to Milwaukee Brewers

After the 2003 season, Craig Counsell was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Milwaukee Brewers along with multiple players for Richie Sexson, Shane Nance, and a player to be named later.

2003: Played First Base for Diamondbacks

In 2003, Craig Counsell played two games at first base for the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing his ability to play multiple positions.

2004: Started at Shortstop for Brewers

In 2004, Craig Counsell started at shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, marking his first season with the team after being traded from the Diamondbacks.

2007: Returned to the Brewers

In 2007, Craig Counsell returned to the Milwaukee Brewers as a free agent, filling the role of utility infielder.

August 16, 2008: Recorded 1,000th Career Hit

On August 16, 2008, Craig Counsell recorded his 1,000th career hit against Derek Lowe of the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a significant milestone in his MLB career.

2008: Highest-Rated Third Baseman

From 2002 to 2008, Craig Counsell was also the highest-rated third baseman according to the SAFE (Spatial Aggregate Fielding Evaluation) method, with an average runs saved of 5.86.

2009: Increased Playing Time and Performance

In 2009, Craig Counsell gained more regular playing time due to injuries and inconsistent play from other Brewers players, achieving a .285 batting average and finishing in the top 10 in the National League in triples.

2010: Named 13th-Smartest Athlete in Sports

In 2010, Craig Counsell was recognized by Sporting News as the 13th-smartest athlete in sports, highlighting his intellectual abilities both on and off the field.

August 3, 2011: Tied Record for Consecutive At-Bats Without a Hit

From June 11 to August 3, 2011, Craig Counsell tied the all-time record for consecutive at-bats without a base hit for a position player, going hitless over a streak of 45 at-bats.

2011: Played Left Field for Brewers

In 2011, Craig Counsell spent part of a game in left field for the Milwaukee Brewers, playing two innings without recording any total chances.

2011: Ranked Among Oldest Players in National League

In 2011, Craig Counsell was the fourth-oldest player in the National League and had the second-best career fielding percentage of all active second basemen at .991.

2012: Retired and Took Front Office Position

In early 2012, Craig Counsell retired as a professional baseball player and took a front office position with the Milwaukee Brewers as a special assistant to the general manager.

2014: Named Part-Time Radio Analyst

In 2014, Craig Counsell was named a part-time color analyst for Brewers radio broadcasts, rotating with others to call games.

May 4, 2015: Hired as Brewers Manager

On May 4, 2015, Craig Counsell was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers to become their manager after Ron Roenicke was fired. He signed a three-year contract with the team.

2017: Brewers Surprising Run

In 2017, the Milwaukee Brewers went on a surprising run with an 86–76 record under Craig Counsell. The Brewers finished 2nd in the NL Central, falling one win short of a wild card berth, and Counsell finished fourth in NL Manager of the Year voting.

2018: Won NL Central and Advanced to NLCS

In 2018, the Brewers went 96-67 under Craig Counsell, winning the NL Central by defeating the Chicago Cubs in a tiebreaker game. They advanced to the National League Championship Series, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. Counsell finished 2nd in NL Manager of the Year voting.

September 18, 2021: Won 500th Game as Manager

On September 18, 2021, Craig Counsell won his 500th game as a manager, with the Brewers defeating the Chicago Cubs 6–4. He finished 2nd in NL Manager of the Year voting.

June 15, 2022: Passed Phil Garner for Most Wins as Brewers Manager

On June 15, 2022, Craig Counsell passed Phil Garner for the most wins as a Brewers manager with a win over the New York Mets.

September 19, 2023: Won 700th Game as Manager

On September 19, 2023, Craig Counsell achieved his 700th managerial win with a 7−3 victory for the Brewers over the St. Louis Cardinals.

November 1, 2023: Contract with Brewers Expired

On November 1, 2023, Craig Counsell's contract with the Milwaukee Brewers expired, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

November 6, 2023: Hired as Chicago Cubs Manager

On November 6, 2023, Craig Counsell was hired as the manager of the Chicago Cubs on a five-year contract worth over $40 million, making him the highest-paid manager in MLB history.

2023: Son's High School Championship

In 2023, Craig Counsell's younger son, Jack, was on Whitefish Bay High School's state championship baseball team and played baseball at the University of Michigan but has since transferred to Northwestern.