Brewers fans eager to take momentum on the road to Chicago

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Brewers fans are hoping to build momentum that will carry them right down I-94 to Wrigley Field.

For the first time in a long time, the Brewers started with a series lead, and that cushion has made all the difference for fans.

Larry Bard of Milwaukee told us, “They play small ball, they get a lot of hits, their enthusiasm, good coaching, good players.”

There’s a lot to like for Brewers fans right now, a top team playing well at the right time of year has people dreaming big once again.

Momentum has been building for months, but now things are heating up, even as the temperature drops.

The Brewers’ Game 1 barrage was a rude awakening for Cubs fans like Jay Brittan, who told us, “I watched it on TV. That was horrible.”

But Brittan reported few concerns from the hosts, saying it was, “Fine. No issues whatsoever. I’m one of the weird ones that do root for the Brewers, just not when they’re playing the Cubs.”

And, for Brewers fans, it’s always easier when you win.

Brittan’s friend, Jeremy Saunders, said, “We’ve been alright. Me and Jay are good friends, but we hate each other’s teams.”

This year’s on-field success is also making a difference off the field.

Cecelia Gore is the executive director of the Brewers Community Foundation. She told us, “When we have sellouts, we sell more tickets for the 50-50 raffle.”

Contributions to the Brewers Community Foundation are up 20% this year, largely from 50/50 raffle sales.

The take-home prize for the Game 1 winner was more than $64,000, 40% higher than at the first playoff game last year.

Gore said, “More people in the house, more tickets sold, more support, more enthusiasm, greater visibility, it all adds up and makes a difference.”

After having to hear about “Wrigley North” for years, Brewers fans plan to make a difference in Chicago when the series moves south Wednesday.

Brewers fan John Graber said, “It’s going to be a pretty good atmosphere for the Cubs fans. Hopefully we get some Brewer fans down there and we can outnumber them.”

Cubs fans will have the numbers advantage, but fans of both teams agree it won’t compare to American Family Field.

Schelly Somenske, of Green Bay, said, “Oh, this is way better than Wrigley.” She added, “It is a special place, to go to Wrigley, but this is a better place.”

Even some incognito Cubs fans, like Ben Waldron, said baseball is better in Milwaukee. “I really do. It’s not as historic or majestic, but the environment and tailgating environment, the stadium, it’s awesome.”