MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Brewers' championship run has unleashed a flood of emotional reactions, along with touching stories about baseball and its connections with family and friends.

Last year, CBS 58 told you the story behind the viral “Love You Mitch,” sign at Game 5 of the NLDS. Mitch Romasko, at the time of that sign, was in the ICU. Romasko has recovered, but his friend holding that sign, Pete Bartolone, is now unfortunately in hospice.

As the Brewers head on to the World Series, Romasko spoke with CBS 58’s Duaa Israr about his best friend and his final chance to see the Brewers win it all. 

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“Token of love and friendship for my friend. That’s all it was,” Bartolone said last year.

The simple sign stating, “Love You Mitch” caught the eyes of Brewers fans and the heart of this city.

“It was right there behind home plate,” said Rick Abresch, Bartolone’s friend who was with him at Game 5.

When Bartolone held that sign last year, he wasn’t looking for attention. He was showing up for his friend, Romasko, a friend he’s been walking beside through a cancer battle.

“I’ve been with him through this battle since day one, because I also am battling cancer,” Bartolone said last year.

Now, the roles have taken on a new meaning. Romasko is recovering, and Bartolone, the man who made sure the world knew how much he loved his friend, is now in hospice.

“That was his sign, except it said, “Love You Mitch.” So, we wanted to make that in honor of him,” said Romasko. 

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Since they were children, Romasko, Bartolone, and their friends have made memories at the ballpark, including when the Brewers went to the World Series for the first time in 1982.

“Oh, it was incredible. Rick and I ran to second base to try and dig up second base, but somebody beat us to it and Peter ran somewhere in the infield and dug up some sod, and I think he still has it,” said Mike Schoen, Bartolone’s friend.

Now, as the Brewers head to the World Series again, for these lifelong fans, this is the chance they’ve waited a lifetime to see.

“You know, we’ve been waiting our whole life for the Brewers to win one. This is probably our best chance, and we all expect it to happen. I know Peter would love to see that,” said Schoen.

This game has carried these friends through some of life’s hardest innings.

“Baseball is the only sport without a clock,” said Schoen.

Right now, these friends are hoping for just a little more time.

“We hope that he hangs on to see them win the World Series. And they’re going to,” said Romasko. “Not only do I love you, your friends love you.”