David Stearns stepping down as Brewers president

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Thursday, Oct. 27 that they're making a major change in team leadership.

In Thursday morning's press release from the Brewers, Stearns said that this was not an easy decision but it is something he knew would eventually happen. "It has been a priority for both of us that any transition would take place while the organization is in a healthy position with solid leadership and a talented roster going forward. That is certainly the case today."

David Stearns is stepping down as the President of Baseball Operations to be replaced by Matt Arnold.

Arnold previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the team since 2020.

"Going to games as a young kid, coming from that moment to now, I think it is incredibly humbling. I'm thankful to so many people and look, I have been doing this for now over 20 years, I feel like I am ready for this," said Arnold.

Arnold has turned down other jobs to stay in Milwaukee for his chance. Now that it's here, don't expect major philosophical changes.

"We certainly share a lot of values, which is why I think we have worked together," said Arnold. "I think I may do things a little bit differently but by and large the success here has been teamwork and we do have a great foundation in place, so I don't envision any major changes there."

Stearns has led the Brewers to an unprecedented era of success. Milwaukee made four trips to the playoffs in the first 46 years. They did it four more times in seven years under Stearns.

"This is a job that requires complete and total commitment," said Stearns. "It's not only requiring commitment in the present, it requires total commitment in the future. When I began to hesitate, I knew it was time to contemplate a change."

Stearns talked about exhaling or taking a breath multiple times throughout his press conference, but he will stay in Milwaukee in an advisory role. At least for now.

He also committed to remaining a resource to the new President during the transition.

Reflecting on his time in Milwaukee, Stearns' favorite memory was beating the Cubs in Game 163 at Wrigley Field. He says it'd be tough to beat that without winning it all, which he added Brewers fans deserve a World Series, and he believes they will get one.