'Who doesn't like beer?' How Brewers owner fell in love with Milwaukee | Exclusive

Mark Attanasio, the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, now lives in downtown Milwaukee with his wife Debbie. When he bought the team in 2005, they were struggling, with no postseason appearances since 1982. Today, the Brewers are a dominant force, reaching the postseason eight out of nine years, winning four consecutive division titles, and having the best record in baseball for the past two seasons.

Despite having a payroll $200 million less than the Dodgers, the Brewers have become a fan favorite in Milwaukee. Owner Attanasio attributes their success to the city's support, stating that "Who doesn't like beer and brews? Who doesn't like a team called the Brewers? Who doesn't like Pat Murphy? Who doesn't like Christian Yelich?" He believes that the more people support the team, the better their performance becomes.

Attanasio was initially nervous about purchasing the team, having never been to Milwaukee before. However, he fell in love with the city after visiting for his brother's wedding in 1999. Upon acquiring the Brewers, he was immediately embraced by the community, with strangers greeting him warmly. He recalls a sanitation truck driver stopping to welcome him and shake his hand.

While the Brewers have faced resistance from fans who want a larger payroll and have traded some key players, Attanasio remains committed to the team's success. He believes that small market teams like the Brewers can compete with larger franchises if they have the support of their community.