The man behind the 'Love You Mitch' sign during Game 5 of the NLDS
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While watching Game 5 of the NLDS, you may have seen this sign behind home plate – “Love You Mitch.” It left many wondering, who is Mitch?
That sign was held up by Peter Bartolone, a longtime Brewers fan, as a way to make sure his friend Mitch could see that Peter was thinking about him, even behind home plate.
Bartolone could be considered one of the Brewers’ first fans. He’s been attending games since the team first moved to Milwaukee.
“Yeah, one of their initial fans. We used to go to 40 or 50 games a year because bleacher seats were only a $1 at the time,” said Bartolone. “And I just think there's something magical about this team.”
For every Game 5 the Brewers have made it to, Bartolone has been there. Last week’s Game 5 began a little differently. Bartolone's best friend Mitch, who had been battling cancer all year long, suffered a stroke.
“He was rushed into ICU that morning,” said Bartolone. “And I’ve been with him through this battle since day 1 because I am also battling cancer.”
So, Bartolone decided to make sure Mitch wasn’t forgotten while Bartolone was at the game.
“You’re gonna see it and he’s gonna see it and all of the Brewers fans are gonna see it, and America’s gonna see it,” said Bartolone.
Love you, Mitch. Those simple words, taking the game and crowd by storm.
“The Cubs fans around me said, 'We’re rooting for you, Pete, and we’re rooting for the Brewers now, and we’re rooting for Mitch,'” said Bartolone.
As of right now, Mitch is still recovering and Bartolone is waiting to show him the sign.
“We would cry together. We would cry together,” said Bartolone.
The Brewers' win against the Cubs was a sweet victory.
“We don't lose hope in our sports teams, and we don’t lose hope in humanity, and we don’t lose hope in ourselves and in our lives,” said Bartolone.
For Bartolone, the sweetest part of it all was this crowd learning what Mitch means to him.
“A token of love and friendship for my friend. That’s all it was,” said Bartolone.