Fans celebrate the return of baseball with tailgating and high hopes for the new season
Category: Sports
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers launched their 2026 season on March 26 with an electrifying Opening Day matchup against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field, marking the first time the two teams have faced each other on Opening Day since 1995. The game featured former teammates Jacob Misiorowski and Shane Smith, who had crossed paths during their minor league careers.
Misiorowski, a 23-year-old right-hander, was Milwaukee’s second-round pick and has quickly risen through the ranks, making a name for himself after an impressive rookie season. He made history last year by becoming the earliest MLB All-Star, a feat that has set expectations high for his performance this season. Meanwhile, Smith, who was drafted by the Brewers but later selected by the White Sox during the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, took the mound for Chicago. Smith, who signed with the Brewers out of Wake Forest after recovering from Tommy John surgery, faced his former team with a record of 7-8 and a 3.81 ERA from the previous season.
Fans flocked to the stadium, eager to witness the return of baseball. Richard Plautz, who has attended Brewers Opening Day games since 1977, expressed his enthusiasm: "It should be a holiday. It really should." Thousands of fans participated, tailgating hours before the game, grilling burgers and hot dogs, and soaking up the atmosphere, even under chilly and windy conditions. "It’s like just the kickoff of summer," said Jordan Pearson, who prepared a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns at the tailgate.
The Brewers entered this season with high hopes following a record-breaking 2025 campaign, where they achieved a franchise-high 97 wins and advanced to the National League Championship Series, only to fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers. "We think we’re going to go all the way every year," said Alonzo Grayson, a devoted fan, expressing optimism for the upcoming season.
With a mix of veteran talent and promising new faces, the Brewers are poised for another competitive year. Returning players include Christian Yelich, Brandon Woodruff, and William Contreras, alongside rising stars like Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang. Manager Pat Murphy, who has been at the helm for the past few seasons, aims to guide the team to continued success.
Misiorowski, who had a standout season with a 4.05 ERA, was described by Murphy with a nickname that speaks to his versatility: "our Forrest Gump." His performance will be key for the Brewers, especially with the team relying on a young pitching staff. Misiorowski took the mound against Smith, marking a reunion of sorts for the two players who once shared the same minor league teams.
During their time together, Misiorowski recalled a specific game on July 15, 2023, when both pitchers played for High-A Wisconsin. Misiorowski started the game, allowing one earned run over four innings, and Smith came on to pitch two scoreless innings. "He was an awesome teammate," Misiorowski said, highlighting the camaraderie they developed during their early careers.
The matchup between the Brewers and White Sox is steeped with historical significance. Bud Selig, the former owner of the Brewers, once attempted to move the White Sox to Milwaukee, which adds a layer of rivalry to their meetings. The two teams have faced off on Opening Day four times, with the last encounter resulting in a 12-3 victory for the Brewers back on April 3, 1995.
Opening Day heralds the start of the season and brings changes to how fans can watch the games. The Brewers announced a new streaming service, Brewers.TV, which offers various subscription packages and is set to replace previous broadcasting arrangements. The game was also available on Fox Channel 6, ensuring that fans across Wisconsin could tune into the action.
For the White Sox, the game offered a chance to showcase their new roster, including promising talent like Munetaka Murakami, who is entering his first Major League season after a successful career overseas. Manager Will Venable has been experimenting with different lineups, and the Opening Day roster featured Chase Meidroth leading off, marking the 14th consecutive year the team has had a new second baseman for Opening Day.
Both teams faced injury challenges heading into the season. The White Sox were without catcher Kyle Teel, who is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and right-hander Mike Vasil, who is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. The Brewers, on the other hand, placed Jackson Chourio on the injured list with a fractured left hand, a setback for a player expected to be a key contributor.
Fans were eager to see how the teams would perform, with many expressing optimism for the 2026 season. Kliment, who traveled from Ohio with his young son, shared his hopes: "My son thinks we’ll win 100 games this year. We’ll see if he’s got that right." The excitement surrounding the season was palpable, with fans ready to embrace the spirit of baseball once again.
Rick Schlesinger, the team’s president of business operations, emphasized the importance of the fan experience, stating that tailgating is part of the “DNA” of the Brewers' fanbase. He noted that even less-than-ideal weather conditions wouldn’t deter fans from celebrating the return of baseball. "They love to grill the brats and have fun and toss the baseball around," Schlesinger said.
With the season now underway, the Brewers are set to play 12 games against American League opponents before facing a National League team. After the White Sox, their next challenge will be against the Tampa Bay Rays, keeping the momentum of Opening Day alive. The anticipation for the 2026 season is high, and fans are ready to rally behind their team, hoping for another thrilling year of baseball.