Breaking News: Counsell receives a chorus of jeers and a thank-you note upon his return to Milwaukee…

There were several waves of enthusiastic jeers during Craig Counsell’s first game at American Family Field after the Chicago Cubs recruited him away from Milwaukee. There was also a heartfelt message on the scoreboard.

A quick pregame video played some of Counsell’s best moments from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers as a manager and player before showing him with a Brewers cap and the words “Thank You No. 30.” Throughout the video, Brewers fans jeered at him, and they did so again when he was announced as the Cubs’ manager and each time he departed the dugout as Chicago lost 5-1.

When asked what kind of response he anticipated before the game, Counsell responded, “Look, cheer, boo, whatever, man.” “Just enjoy yourself during the game. Fans are able to do that. Just enjoy yourself. It’s Memorial Day. Today is a non-work day for you. Let’s enjoy ourselves together.

The significant number of Cubs fans in attendance did applaud Counsell a little bit—fans of the Cubs and Brewers often split the ticket fairly evenly—but the jeers overpowered the applause.

After the game, Counsell remarked, “I think the fans are here to enjoy a day and enjoy a baseball game.” They are free to act as they like. I hope they had a pleasant experience.

Before the Cubs enticed him away with a five-year deal worth more than $40 million, Counsell set franchise marks in wins and games managed while leading the Brewers to five postseason berths over the previous six seasons.

The Cubs defeated the Brewers two games to one at Wrigley Field on May 3-5, thus Counsell has managed against his old team before, but this was his first time in Milwaukee.

Ryan Hoffman, a Burlington, Wisconsin, Brewers fan, said he bought tickets for this game because it was Counsell’s comeback and that he intended to “boo a little bit.”

Hoffman stated, “We wanted to make sure we voiced our opinion a little bit by coming here for this.”

Since May 2015, Counsell had been the Brewers manager. With a 707-625 record, he had guided the team to its longest streak of consecutive victories. Counsell was succeeded as manager of the Brewers by Pat Murphy, who had been Counsell’s bench coach in Milwaukee for a long period after managing him at Notre Dame.

Before the game, Murphy remarked, “Twenty years from now, we’ll all look back on this and Craig will be recognised as a big part of the Brewers.” “Despite the range of emotions he is experiencing right now, he is preparing his ballclub for competition.”

Christian Yelich, an outfielder with the Brewers, played down the excitement around the manager’s return to Milwaukee. The best clubs in the NL Central square off in this four-game series; the Brewers lead the Cubs by 4.5 games.

The 2018 NL MVP remarked, “Obviously a lot of good memories here with Couns.” We see it in the same light as a player exercising their right to free agency. He was entitled to go to the highest bidder and do what he pleased. I’m glad for him. He and I still get along really well.

Not many Brewers supporters were nearly as understanding.

Wearing a Jackson Chourio jersey from the Brewers, East Troy, Wisconsin’s Jake Starck stated, “People feel betrayed.” “I understand. Get your money now. Go forth and pursue your goals. There is a rivalry, though. This is where he was raised. I have a feeling that things will stay this way for some time.

Counsell was connected to Milwaukee even before he became manager.

The son of former Brewers director of community affairs John Counsell, he grew up in the Wisconsin town of Whitefish Bay. In 2004 and from 2007 to 2011, the former second baseman was a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.

On Monday, Counsell was asked if, prior to actually leaving the Brewers for Chicago, he had ever imagined making a move of this nature.

Counsell remarked, “Life takes different turns, man.” “I don’t want to live a life that is preplanned. I desire to take on challenges and engage in exciting activities. That is not how I arrange things. Man, you just have to go with the flow of life and see what occurs. Although I did not anticipate this to occur, you just have to get on board and proceed.

Counsell’s departure to a division opponent only 90 miles away hurt Brewers supporters even more because of his past. Counsell acknowledged that he can appreciate the reasons behind some fans’ ire.