History of Milwaukee Brewers in Timeline

The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, competing in Major League Baseball's National League Central Division. The team's name references Milwaukee's brewing history. Since 2001, their home games have been played at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), which seats approximately 41,900 fans.

1900: Start of the Modern Era

Since 1900, which marks the start of the modern era, the Brewers are one of two MLB franchises to switch leagues.

1901: Original Milwaukee Brewers in AL

In 1901, the original Milwaukee Brewers became an American League charter team before moving to St. Louis to become the Browns the following season.

1902: Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association

Between 1902, Milwaukee was home to the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association (AAA).

1952: Milwaukee Bears of the Negro National League

Between 1902 and 1952, Milwaukee was also home to the Milwaukee Bears of the Negro National League.

1953: Braves in Milwaukee

Milwaukee had previously been a National League city when its team was the Milwaukee Braves from 1953.

1965: Braves leave Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Braves left Milwaukee in 1965.

1969: Start of the Brewers Franchise

From 1969 through 2024, the Brewers' overall regular-season win–loss record is 4,308–4,530–4 (.487).

1969: Origin as Seattle Pilots

In 1969, the team originated as an expansion team in Seattle, Washington, called the Seattle Pilots, playing one season in the American League West Division.

1970: Bob Uecker Joins the Brewers

In 1970, Bob Uecker joined the Milwaukee Brewers when the team moved from Seattle.

1970: Home Jersey Design

In 1971, the Brewers got their own flannel design in their home jerseys which was essentially the same as the one used in 1970.

1970: Road Uniforms

In 1972, the Brewers entered the double-knit era with new uniforms, featuring a pullover jersey and elastic waistband. The road uniforms were a darker shade of blue than those of 1970 and '71.

1970: Brewers Move to Milwaukee

Since moving to Milwaukee in 1970, the Brewers have an overall win–loss record of 4,244–4,432–3 (.489) through the end of 2024.

1971: Bob Uecker Becomes Play-by-Play Broadcaster

In 1971, Bob Uecker began his 54-season tenure as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1971: Flannel Design Home Jerseys

In 1971, the Brewers got their own flannel design, but only for the home jerseys. Player numbers were added to the front of both jerseys for 1971.

1972: Move to American League East

Before the beginning of the 1972 season, the Brewers agreed to switch to the American League East to accommodate the Texas Rangers.

1972: Relocation to Milwaukee and American League East

In 1972, after relocating to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers, the team started playing their home games at Milwaukee County Stadium in the American League East.

1972: Introduction of Double-Knit Uniforms

In 1972, the Brewers entered the double-knit era with new uniforms, featuring a pullover jersey and elastic waistband. The road uniforms were a darker shade of blue than those of 1970 and '71.

1973: Introduction of Bernie Brewer

In 1973, the Brewers mascot, Bernie Brewer, was introduced.

1974: Yellow-Paneled Cap and Sanitation Sock

In 1974, a yellow-paneled cap was added to the road uniforms, and the "sanitation sock" on the road uniforms were also changed from white to yellow.

1978: New Uniforms Unveiled

In 1978, the Brewers unveiled new uniforms, continuing the pullover jersey/beltless pants combo with pinstripes. The road uniforms were powder blue, and the city name, "Milwaukee", was displayed on the chest in an upward slant in script form for the first time.

1978: Original Ball-in-Glove Uniforms Worn

In 2006, The Brewers introduced Retro Sundays, featuring uniforms similar to those worn from 1978 to 1989, showcasing the "ball-in-glove" logo.

1981: Division Win and MVP Award

In 1981, Milwaukee won the American League East Division during the second half of the strike-shortened season. Rollie Fingers won the MVP Award, becoming the first Brewer and first relief pitcher in the American League to do so. The team lost the Division Series to the New York Yankees three games to two.

1981: Rollie Fingers wins Cy Young and MVP; First Postseason Appearance

In 1981, Rollie Fingers won the Cy Young Award and Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award. The 1981 season also marked the team's first postseason appearance after finishing first in the second half of the season, which was split due to a strike.

1981: Rollie Fingers Wins MVP Award

In 1981, Rollie Fingers won the MLB Most Valuable Player Award during his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rollie Fingers also won the Cy Young Award in 1981.

1981: Rollie Fingers Wins Rolaids Relief Man Award

In 1981, Rollie Fingers won the Rolaids Relief Man Award.

1982: Robin Yount Wins MVP Award

In 1982, Robin Yount won the MLB Most Valuable Player Award during his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. Also, Pete Vuckovich won the Cy Young Award in 1982.

1982: American League Pennant

In 1982, led by AL MVP Robin Yount, Milwaukee won the American League East Division and the American League Pennant, earning their first World Series appearance. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

1982: American League Championship and World Series Appearance

In 1982, the Brewers won the American League East and the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the California Angels, leading to their only World Series appearance where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 4–3.

1982: Uniforms in Pennant-Winning Season

The Brewers wore the ball-in-glove logo uniforms in their pennant-winning season of 1982.

1983: Cecil Cooper Wins Roberto Clemente Award

In 1983, Cecil Cooper won the Roberto Clemente Award.

1985: Road Uniforms Change to Gray

In 1985, the color of the road uniforms changed to gray, and the blue-yellow-blue road cap and white-paneled batting helmets were abandoned.

1988: Closest Finish to Division Title Since 1988

The 2007 season was the closest finish to a division title since 1988.

1989: Robin Yount Wins MVP Award Again

In 1989, Robin Yount won the MLB Most Valuable Player Award for the second time during his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.

1989: Original Ball-in-Glove Uniforms Worn

In 2006, The Brewers introduced Retro Sundays, featuring uniforms similar to those worn from 1978 to 1989, showcasing the "ball-in-glove" logo.

1990: Dave Parker Wins Edgar Martínez Award

In 1990, Dave Parker won the Edgar Martínez Award.

1990: Switch to Button-Down Jerseys

In 1990, the Brewers switched from pullover to button-down jerseys, making them the last American League team to do so. Other changes included removing blue piping and changing the block lettered "BREWERS" to a script version on home uniforms.

1990: Minor Changes to Uniforms

Only minor changes were made to the uniforms until 1990; the color of the road uniforms changed to gray in 1985 while the blue-yellow-blue road cap and white-paneled batting helmets were abandoned at the same time.

1992: Pat Listach Named Rookie of the Year

In 1992, Pat Listach was named Rookie of the Year while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

1992: Jim Gantner's Retirement

Jim Gantner retired from the Milwaukee Brewers in 1992, after which his number 17 was not issued. However, Gantner later wore the number from 1996 to 1997 when he returned as the Brewers' first base coach.

1992: First Winning Season Since 1992

The 2007 season was the first winning season since 1992.

1993: Names added to home jerseys

In 1993, names were added to the home jerseys, the last year of this uniform set.

1993: Return of Royal Blue to Color Scheme

On November 18, 2019, the Milwaukee Brewers published "Glove Story," showcasing the team's new branding. A uniform unveiling event was held at Miller Park the same evening, revealing a modernized version of the classic "ball-in-glove" logo. The team retained navy blue but replaced metallic gold with mustard gold and reintroduced royal blue to the color scheme, for the first time since 1993.

1994: Move to American League Central Division

Beginning in 1994, due to divisional realignment, the Brewers moved to the newly created American League Central division.

1994: Darkening of Team Colors

In 1994, the team darkened the shades of both blue and gold of the team colors.

1994: Uniform Redesign for 25th Anniversary

In 1994, to commemorate the Brewers' 25th year in Milwaukee, the team completely redesigned their uniforms. The ball-in-glove logo was replaced, colors were changed to navy blue, metallic gold, and forest green, and an alternative navy blue jersey was introduced.

1994: WCGV-TV Carries Brewers Games

Starting in 1994, WCGV-TV carried game broadcasts for the Milwaukee Brewers, following WVTV's coverage.

1996: Jim Gantner Returns as First Base Coach

Jim Gantner returned to the Milwaukee Brewers as their first base coach in 1996 and wore his former number 17 again.

1996: Pat Hughes Departed to do Play-by-Play for the Cubs

Pat Hughes departed to do play-by-play for the Cubs on WGN in 1996.

1997: Jim Gantner Serves as First Base Coach

From 1996 to 1997, Jim Gantner returned to the Milwaukee Brewers as their first base coach and wore his former number 17 again.

1997: End of American League Era

In 1997, the Brewers' time in the American League ended, after which they moved to the National League Central Division.

1997: Uniform Modifications

In 1997, the Milwaukee Brewers made slight modifications to their uniforms, including removing the main logo from the caps and replacing it with an "M". All navy caps were worn with both home and away uniforms, with a white "M" on home hats and a gold "M" on road caps. Green socks were replaced with navy blue, and player numbers were added to the lower left side of jerseys. All letters were made the same size in 1997.

1998: Relocation to National League

In 1998, the Brewers relocated to the National League.

2000: Uniform Changes Coinciding with Miller Park Opening

In 2000, the Milwaukee Brewers changed their uniforms in anticipation of the Miller Park opening. The block letters were replaced with a flowing script "Brewers," and green was removed as the third color. The cap logo was a script "M" with a head of barley, symbolizing Milwaukee's beer-making industry. The home uniforms featured a patch with the cap logo and a gold outline of Wisconsin, while the road uniforms were grey with a script "Brewers" and a patch bearing a script "Milwaukee". An alternate navy blue jersey was also introduced in 2000.

2001: New Home at American Family Field

In 2001, the Milwaukee Brewers began playing their home games at American Family Field, a stadium with a seating capacity of 41,900. The stadium was known as Miller Park through the 2020 season.

2001: Delayed Opening of Miller Park

The debut of the Milwaukee Brewers' new uniforms was intended to coincide with the opening of Miller Park. However, a crane collapse in July 1999 delayed the stadium's opening until 2001.

2004: End of WCGV-TV's Coverage of Brewers Games

In 2004, WCGV-TV stopped carrying game broadcasts for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2006: Introduction of Retro Sundays

In 2006, the Milwaukee Brewers introduced Retro Sundays, during which they wore uniforms featuring the "ball-in-glove" logo. These uniforms are similar to those worn from 1978 to 1989 but included modern modifications.

2007: Brian Anderson Takes Over as Play-by-Play Announcer

Brian Anderson took over as the Milwaukee Brewers' play-by-play announcer for the 2007 season.

2007: Prince Fielder Wins Hank Aaron Award

In 2007, Prince Fielder won the Hank Aaron Award.

2007: Ryan Braun Named Rookie of the Year

In 2007, Ryan Braun was named Rookie of the Year while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2007: Brewers-FSN Wisconsin-Weigel Broadcasting Agreement

In 2007, the Brewers and FSN Wisconsin subcontracted with Weigel Broadcasting for a package of 15 games and one spring training game over-the-air on WMLW-CA in Milwaukee each season. FSN Wisconsin produced the telecasts, and Weigel sold air time. Games on WMLW-CA would air on the outstate FSN Wisconsin network.

2007: Retro Day Changed to Friday

In 2007, the Milwaukee Brewers changed their Retro day from Sunday to Friday. Additionally, starting pitchers could choose to wear the retro uniforms during their starts.

2007: Near Miss for NL Central Title

The 2007 season saw the Brewers miss out on the NL Central title by two games, marking their closest finish to a division title since 1988 and their first winning season since 1992.

2008: Return to Playoffs

In 2008, the Brewers made their first playoff appearance in 26 years, before losing in the NLDS to the Philadelphia Phillies.

2008: Postseason Appearance

In 2008, under interim manager Dale Sveum, the Brewers advanced to postseason play by winning the National League wild card, but were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies.

2010: Debut of New Alternate Road Jersey

In 2010, the Milwaukee Brewers debuted a new alternate road jersey, which is navy blue and bears a script "Milwaukee" on the front.

2010: All Fox Sports Wisconsin's Games Broadcast in High Definition

The 2010 season was the first year where all of Fox Sports Wisconsin's games were broadcast in high definition.

September 23, 2011: Brewers Clinch Division Title

On September 23, 2011, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched their first division title in 29 years. They won the National League Division Series in five games over the Arizona Diamondbacks but lost the National League Championship Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in six games.

2011: Cory Provus Leaves for Minnesota Twins

After the 2011 season, Cory Provus, formerly of WGN radio in Chicago, left the Milwaukee Brewers to become the Minnesota Twins lead broadcaster on radio.

2011: Anderson Provides Play-by-Play for NLCS

Brian Anderson provided play-by-play for the 2011 NLCS due to Ernie Johnson stepping aside for the year.

2011: Brewers-FSN Wisconsin-Weigel Broadcasting Agreement

From 2007 up to 2011, the Brewers and FSN Wisconsin subcontracted with Weigel Broadcasting for a package of 15 games and one spring training game over-the-air on WMLW-CA in Milwaukee each season. FSN Wisconsin produced the telecasts, and Weigel sold air time. Games on WMLW-CA would air on the outstate FSN Wisconsin network.

2011: John Axford Wins Rolaids Relief Man Award

In 2011, John Axford won the Rolaids Relief Man Award.

2011: Ryan Braun Wins MVP Award

In 2011, Ryan Braun won the MLB Most Valuable Player Award during his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.

2011: First Trip to NLCS

In 2011, the Brewers made their first trip to the NLCS.

2011: Post-Season drought ends in 2011

In 2018, The Brewers clinched a post-season spot, for the first time since 2011.

2012: End of Brewers-FSN Wisconsin-Weigel Broadcasting Agreement

Before the 2012 season, the Brewers, FSN Wisconsin and Weigel Broadcasting deal ended to facilitate full-season HD coverage on FSN Wisconsin and distribution complications, along with the addition of a "Plus" channel for Milwaukee Bucks play-by-play conflict situations. Weigel continues to air a few Sunday home broadcasts per year with Spanish language play-by-play on Telemundo affiliate WYTU-LD.

2013: Fan-Designed Uniform Competition

During the off-season before the 2013 season, the Milwaukee Brewers allowed fans to design their own uniforms. The winning design, by Ben Peters, was worn for two spring training games.

2013: Introduction of Gold Alternate Jersey

In 2013, the Milwaukee Brewers introduced a gold alternate jersey with "Brewers" on the front.

2014: Matt Lepay Serves as Play-by-Play Announcer

Since 2014, as Brian Anderson's Turner Sports duties have increased, Wisconsin Badgers football and men's college basketball radio announcer Matt Lepay has served as play-by-play man on days when Anderson has other assignments for Turner Sports.

2014: Uecker Cuts Back on Road Games

Starting with the 2014 season, Bob Uecker cut back on the number of road games he works due to health concerns.

2015: Jeff Levering Joins Radio Broadcast Team

In 2015, Jeff Levering joined the Milwaukee Brewers' radio broadcast team as a fill-in for Bob Uecker on select road games.

2016: Lane Grindle Joins Radio Broadcast Team

In 2016, Lane Grindle joined the Milwaukee Brewers' radio broadcast team, replacing Joe Block.

2016: Replacement of Road Navy and Home Gold Alternates

In 2016, the Milwaukee Brewers replaced their road navy and home gold alternate jerseys with a new navy alternate. This uniform is similar to the previous road navy alternate but features yellow trim and is paired with a navy cap featuring the "ball-and-glove" logo.

2017: Use of Alternate Navy Uniforms for Home and Away Games

From 2017 to 2019, both alternate navy uniforms were used for both home and away games and were worn more often than the traditional white and gray tops.

2017: End of Spanish-Language Radio Broadcasts

In 2017, the Waukesha-licensed ESPN Deportes Radio affiliate WRRD, which broadcast select daytime Milwaukee Brewers home games in Spanish, was purchased by another party which instituted an English-language talk format, effectively ending that arrangement.

September 26, 2018: Brewers Clinch Post-Season Spot

On September 26, 2018, the Brewers clinched a spot in the post-season for the first time since 2011 with a 2–1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

2018: Christian Yelich Wins Hank Aaron Award

In 2018, Christian Yelich won the Hank Aaron Award.

2018: Consistent Playoff Team

Since 2018, the Brewers have been a consistent playoff team, winning one playoff series with a 3–0 sweep in the 2018 NLDS over the Colorado Rockies.

November 18, 2019: Publication of "Glove Story" and Uniform Unveiling

2019: Use of Alternate Navy Uniforms for Home and Away Games

From 2017 to 2019, both alternate navy uniforms were used for both home and away games and were worn more often than the traditional white and gray tops.

2019: Christian Yelich Wins Hank Aaron Award Again

In 2019, Christian Yelich won the Hank Aaron Award.

2019: National League Wild Card Game Appearance

In 2019, the Brewers returned to the postseason and made an appearance in the National League Wild Card Game, where they were defeated by the Washington Nationals 4–3.

2020: Devin Williams Named Rookie of the Year

In 2020, Devin Williams was named Rookie of the Year while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

2020: Devin Williams Wins Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2020, Devin Williams won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award.

2020: Third Consecutive Postseason Appearance

In 2020, the Milwaukee Brewers made the postseason for a third consecutive year, losing both games to the eventual champion Dodgers.

2020: Miller Park Renamed American Family Field

Through the 2020 season, the Milwaukee Brewers' home stadium was named Miller Park before becoming American Family Field.

2021: Corbin Burnes Wins Cy Young Award

In 2021, Corbin Burnes won the Cy Young Award during his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.

2021: Giannis Antetokounmpo Becomes Minority Owner

In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers.

2021: Josh Hader Wins Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2021, Josh Hader won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award.

2021: NL Central Title and NLDS Loss

In 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central title with a 95–67 record but lost to the Atlanta Braves in 4 games in the NLDS.

2022: Alternate Gold-Paneled Cap Usage

Beginning in 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers' alternate gold-paneled cap was used exclusively on the road, while the all-navy cap was worn only on home games. Both designs feature the modernized "ball-in-glove" logo in front.

2022: Levering Becomes Primary Play-by-Play TV Announcer

In 2022, Levering became the primary play-by-play television announcer with Anderson now calling only 50 games per season due to increased duties with both MLB and the NBA national broadcasts.

2022: Addition of "City Connect" Uniform

In 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers added a "City Connect" uniform in conjunction with Nike. The uniform is powder blue with white pants and features the "Brew Crew" nickname. A stylized baseball shaped like an enclosed grill is emblazoned on the right sleeve. Caps are powder blue with navy brim and features both the "MKE" abbreviation in gold and the city's "414" area code in navy.

2023: Devin Williams Wins Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2023, Devin Williams won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award.

2023: Addition of Northwestern Mutual as Uniform Sponsor

In 2023, the Milwaukee Brewers added Northwestern Mutual as a uniform sponsor, with the company's logo patch recolored to the Brewers' navy and white. The patch was prominently featured on either sleeve depending on a player's handedness.

October 2024: MLB to Take Over Production and Distribution of Brewers Games

In October 2024, Major League Baseball's local media division announced that it would take over the production and distribution of Milwaukee Brewers games starting with the 2025 season, as a result of bankruptcy proceedings involving former broadcaster Diamond Sports Group. There were no changes in personnel, as all on-air staff are employed by the Brewers themselves.

2024: Death of Bob Uecker After 2024 Season

Bob Uecker served as the Milwaukee Brewers' play-by-play broadcaster for 54 seasons from 1971 until his death after the 2024 season.

2024: Through the end of 2024 Season

From 1969 through 2024, the Brewers' overall regular-season win–loss record is 4,308–4,530–4 (.487). Since moving to Milwaukee in 1970, the Brewers have an overall win–loss record of 4,244–4,432–3 (.489) through the end of 2024.

December 31, 2024: Return to FanDuel Sports Network

On December 31, 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers announced that they would return to FanDuel Sports Network for the 2025 season.

January 16, 2025: Death of Bob Uecker

Bob Uecker, former Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster, died on January 16, 2025. For the 2025 season, the Brewers' uniforms will have a commemorative patch on the right sleeve, honoring Uecker. The patch will be circular, and reference the distinctive plaid sport coats Uecker wore in television commercials in the 1980s and 1990s, with Uecker's signature running through the center of the patch.

March 19, 2025: Brewers Announce Deal with WITI and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

On March 19, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers announced a deal with WTMJ owner Good Karma Brands and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, where WITI, along with a state network of stations, would carry three spring training and ten regular season games in the 2025 season in a simulcast with FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

2025: WITI Still Without Local Brewers Coverage

Before 2025, WITI was the only major network television station in Milwaukee not to have carried local coverage of the Milwaukee Brewers through its history.

2025: Commemorative Patch Honoring Bob Uecker

In 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers' uniforms will have a commemorative patch on the right sleeve, honoring former Brewers radio broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died on January 16, 2025. The patch will be circular, and reference the distinctive plaid sport coats Uecker wore in television commercials in the 1980s and 1990s, with Uecker's signature running through the center of the patch.