New Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was introduced in the last few hours and got the chance to talk about the new, exciting project ahead of him.
The Cubs made him the highest paid manager in MLB, as he will make $8 million per year for the next five seasons.
In his chat with the media, he took some time to field questions about his former team: the Milwaukee Brewers.
Counsell led the Brewers to multiple playoff berths, NL Central titles, and even a NL Championship Series appearance in 2018 since taking over in 2015.
He helped put the Brewers on the map, often with very low payrolls.
Now, he is leaving for one of their biggest rivals, and it apparently didn’t sit well at home.
“Craig Counsell acknowledged several times today that he underestimated how much his move to the Cubs would inflame passions at home. He also spoke about falling short of the ultimate goal — winning the World Series — and discussed what constitutes success in pro sports,” Brewers insider Adam McCalvy tweeted.
Craig Counsell acknowledged several times today that he underestimated how much his move to the Cubs would inflame passions at home. He also spoke about falling short of the ultimate goal — winning the World Series — and discussed what constitutes success in pro sports. pic.twitter.com/nIChRLofOx
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) November 13, 2023
Let’s remember that even though he is an Indiana native, Counsell grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.
John Counsell, his father, worked for the Brewers as their director of the speakers bureau and community relations.
He has Brewers roots and his decision to go to the Cubs wasn’t exactly popular.
Counsell also talked about his time with the Brewers.
“Our industry is defined by winning the World Series. We know how hard that is. Ultimately, our job is to provide our fans with incredible experiences. I think (Brewers) fans had a pretty good experience over the last nine years and I feel good about that. We did fall short of the ultimate experience, though,” he said.
Asked about the first Cubs – Brewers series in Milwaukee, he stated that he hopes “time eases all that.”
It’s time for a new beginning, both for the Cubs and the Brewers.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Brewers' Offseason Plans
