The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are set for a historic postseason showdown, marking the first playoff meeting between these two nail-biting rivals. At the heart of this matchup is the enduring friendship between Brewers manager Pat Murphy and Cubs skipper Craig Counsell, built over decades and forged through trials, triumphs, and personal challenges.
Their relationship traces back to the fall of 1989 on a chilly field in South Bend, Indiana, where a series of errors led Murphy to put Counsell through rigorous drills, culminating in Counsell breaking his nose yet returning promptly to practice. This moment, as recounted by Murphy, laid the groundwork for Counsell’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Murphy reflected on this pivotal lesson, recognizing the need to adapt his coaching style while mentoring Counsell during his formative years at Notre Dame.
Fast forward to now, and both coaches have solidified their legacies in the sport. Counsell, who took over as the Brewers’ manager in 2015, led the team to multiple postseason appearances, while Murphy joined him as a crucial bench coach, contributing to the Brewers’ success during their most recent playoff campaigns. Their time together has been marked by shared victories, with the Brewers capturing division titles under their stewardship.
The postseason this year is particularly poignant as Counsell returns to Milwaukee, igniting a blend of nostalgia and competitive spirit. Since departing for the Cubs, Counsell has faced a mixed reception from fans in Milwaukee, acknowledging the passionate backlash while celebrating his accomplishments with the Brewers. Meanwhile, Murphy has successfully taken the reins as the Commander of the Brewers, continuing the franchise’s competitive trajectory.
A significant moment in their friendship occurred during the tumultuous 2020 season when Murphy suffered a heart attack during practice. The quick actions of the team’s staff and a heartfelt visit from Counsell highlighted the deep bond they share. Reflecting on that life-altering event, Murphy expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of treasuring every moment.
As both teams gear up for this high-stakes rivalry in the NLDS, the friendly connection between Counsell and Murphy remains intact. While they now compete against each other as managers, both emphasize that true friendship transcends their professional dues. In a competitive landscape, their mutual respect and affection stand out, with both men hopeful for their teams’ success while cherishing their longstanding camaraderie.
This upcoming series not only pits two skilled teams against each other but also showcases a profound narrative of friendship, resilience, and shared history that transcends the game of baseball.