American Family Field was buzzing with excitement on July 25th as Milwaukee Brewers legends returned to celebrate the stadium's 25th anniversary with an Alumni Home Run Derby. The event, held after the Brewers-Marlins game, was a highlight of the day-long celebration, drawing fans to witness their favorite former players.
Ryan Braun and Carlos Gómez captained the two teams, selecting their members in a "school-yard pick" style draft. The participants included notable alumni such as Yovani Gallardo, Bill Hall, Corey Hart, Casey McGehee, Nyjer Morgan, and Eric Thames. To add to the excitement, Prince Fielder and Keon Broxton also joined the competition. Longtime Brewers coach Ed Sedar pitched, with former Brewer George Kottaras catching. Brewers broadcasters Lane Grindle and Jeff Levering emceed the derby.
The format saw each player get two minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. In the final 30 seconds, "golden baseballs" were introduced, with each home run hit with a golden ball counting as three runs. After the initial round, the two players with the highest individual scores advanced to a final round.
While an official winner hasn't been declared, the competition was fierce. Prince Fielder, who holds the Brewers' single-season home run record, expressed his excitement about returning to Milwaukee and putting on a show for the fans. Ryan Braun admitted that he and other players don't often take batting practice anymore but were excited about the event. Carlos Gómez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the adrenaline and passion involved in reuniting with former teammates.
Beyond the Home Run Derby, the 25th-anniversary celebration included autograph sessions with various alumni from 1:50 p.m. to 4:35 p.m. Fans were able to get autographs on special cards provided by the team. Additionally, there were photo opportunities with the alumni. The Brewers Team Store offered a 25% discount on select items, and concessions featured $2.50 draft beers and brats until the first pitch.
The Alumni Home Run Derby and the 25th-anniversary celebrations at American Family Field were a resounding success. Brewers spokesperson Tyler Barnes noted the fantastic response and hinted at more events like this in the future. The event provided a memorable experience for fans of all ages, connecting them with the rich history and tradition of the Milwaukee Brewers.
