Photo Essay --- Brewers On Deck

Sunday, April 2nd the Milwaukee Brewers rang in a new year with a pre-opening day baseball festival at Miller Park. “Brewers on Deck,” allowed fans to enter the stadium to get autographs from all active Brewers players, to watch the team practice, hear owner Mark Attanasio and coach Ned Yost give their two cents about the upcoming season, not to mention all the food (and beer), the people and other special promotions going on throughout the stadium. Players were seen in their natural habitat running, catching and throwing in the field and even were able to have some fun as many smiles became visible. All the fans that gathered, were also happy to be there, from infant to grandparent, kids seen playing catch as they waited in line to receive an autograph, hearing adults reminisce about favorable memories of past baseball seasons, know-it- alls predicting the Brewers fate and even those over ambitious people who get up far too early to camp out and wait in line just to be the first one in. Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and a joyous event that many people wait for all winter. At “Brewers on Deck,” excitement and fun for all ages buzzed as thousands of very different people gathered for one reason; baseball.

In the wee hours of the morning there were already hundreds of people

waiting at the door. They did not want to miss getting an autograph let alone being first into the building.

Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, everything short of the kitchen sink

was brought to make this act of extreme fanaticism more comfortable.

Two hours before the doors would open the line had grown

all the way to the parking lot. Shortly after the line wrapped around winding between cars.

Who knew this event was such a big deal?

With less then an hour until the gates open the mobs of people grew restless.

An attempt to entertain was made when the infamous Milwaukee Brewers Sausages came out

and worked the crowd. It just seemed to rile everyone up more.

It's never to early to introduce sports or baseball into the lives of small children.

Kids covered in Brewers gear could be seen for miles as family and friends

helped teach and influence the next generations of Brewers fans.

There is nothing better to do while waiting in line then share opininons

about what was to come for the Brewers. Reminiscing about past seasons, spouting off stats,

facts and trivia was not uncommon for that day.

You don't become a Brewers fan, you are born one.

Small children did not stop many adults from coming out to support the Brewers.

At the very least it was a first introduction or memory

to the stadium and major league baseball as a whole for these newbie fans.

Starting pitcher, Chris Capuano, was one of the many players

that took time before practice to gladly sign autographs for the thousands of gracious fans

that continually take time to support the Brewers; win or lose.

Waiting in line for several long morning hours can work up quite the appetite.

Besides the autographs, players practice session, music and other promotions going on,

stadium food was more than enough to draw the crowds...

...Or beer for those of us over 21. You have two hands for a reason. Why waste it?

Even those providing the entertainment

were able to take a load off and enjoy the exciting enviroment baseball creates.

Several children and even some adults anxiously waited at the dugout

in hopes to get one last autograph from lingering players during practice.

"Brewers On Deck," created a light-hearted, entertaining and fun enviroment for all.

Even those in charge of the Brewers success; coaches Dale Sveum, Ned Yost and Robin Yount

were able to squeeze in a few smiles...

...Similarly pitchers, Justin Lehr and Rick Helling were able to have fun and laugh

after warming up in the bullpen and while continuing the rest of their practice.

Coach Ned Yost spent much time talking about the teams unity and how closely knit the players are.

He implied that that alone would help the Brewers succeed.

Much of the unity lies in being able to share senses of humour.

Derrick Turnbow is known for drawing out the laughs and during practice is no exception.

Jokes aside, Bill Hall and Corey Koskie worked on fundamentals

in their last practice before the Brewers opening game on April 3rd.

Rickie Weeks as part of the trio of youngsters

that will hopefully carry the Brewers to success speant much time over spring training

working on his fielding to bring down the number of defensive errors in the new season.

The motto of the day: Leisure smiles and a good time.

In the midst of practice, Bill Hall, Prince Fielder and Carolos Lee

could not forget what it is all about; Having Fun.

" I love you Damian!" This caught one of the veterans of the game, Damian Miller,

as he peeked over the dugout.

He graciously stopped to sign one last autograph for his number one fan before calling it a day.