Root for the home team, Dad told me when I was a kid. As someone who has lived, worked and studied in several states, I’ve followed a lot of local nines over the years. As the Phillies start a series in Milwaukee with playoff implications for both teams and those chasing them, I find myself conflicted.
Do I root for the Phillies, at present the nearest Major League franchise to my home in New Jersey whom I’ve followed for the last several years? Or do I pull for the Brewers, the former Harvey’s Wallbangers who became a powerful force in the late 70s and early 80s when I lived in the Cream City?
It’s a tough choice. I dig the Fightin’ Phils and the Philly baseball culture (even as it’s about to be overshadowed when the Eagles open their NFL season on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys).
I also have fond memories of those great Brewers teams of my Milwaukee residencies, and those feelings have persisted over the years. The memories came tumbling back when Bob Uecker died earlier this year, but I have to admit that other than checking the scores and standings, I haven’t followed the Brewers closely this season.
The Phillies, however, have been my main interest. I’ve attended one game, watched a few and listened to multiple radio broadcasts. I know the Phillies’ roster well, but I can’t say the same for the Brewers.
Writing this post hasn’t brought me any clarity, so I’m going to lean back and catch the series with eager anticipation. I want both teams to take their division titles, and I pray they don’t face each other in the playoffs. My head might explode. 🧢
The Ball Caps Blog 
Sir…you father answered your own question. While it’s an impressive stat that you lived in the Cream City (never heard that nickname! And, for the longest time, in my youth, I only knew Milwaukee as the place where Ritchie and Fonzie lived)…your pops said root for the home team. And that, my friend, is the Philadelphia Phillies, at present! 🙂
Hey, I’m a Phillies fan! We can use all the fandom we can get as we head into a hopefully deep Red October run.
Yes, I can hear my father’s voice: “Home team, Danny. Home team.”
The Cream City nickname is from the cream-colored bricks from local quarries that appear on many Milwaukee buildings.
Nice to have two teams to root for, but best if one is national and the other american league. I feel your confusion Dan. There is no easy answer that I can see. Gonna be bitter sweet either way.
Exactamente.