Cubs manager Craig Counsell is facing more than just the usual boos from anonymous Brewers fans — he’s getting a pointed reception from fans who once cheered him as one of their own. Counsell, a Wisconsin native and longtime Brewers manager, stunned many when he left Milwaukee in the offseason to join the division rival Chicago Cubs, a move that felt like betrayal to much of the Brewers’ loyal fanbase. His return to American Family Field has been met with loud, sustained boos — not just from casual attendees, but from die-hard supporters who once proudly wore his jersey.
These boos aren’t just about rivalry; they’re deeply personal. Counsell was seen as the face of the Brewers’ modern era, leading the team to consistent playoff appearances and embodying the club’s blue-collar identity. His sudden departure, especially to a team fans are trained to despise, has left a bitter taste. While Counsell insists his decision was professional, many Brewers faithful feel abandoned.
The jeers echo a sense of loss and betrayal, not merely sports competitiveness. For now, every return to Milwaukee will likely come with a chorus of disapproval — a reminder that in baseball, loyalty matters just as much as winning.