'I'm going to boo him': Craig Counsell returns to American Family Field, met with cold shoulder
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Some Brewers fans are still processing Craig Counsell's decision to leave the Milwaukee Brewers to coach the Chicago Cubs.
For the first time since the shocking announcement, Counsell returned to American Family Field as the Milwaukee Brewers took on the Chicago Cubs, Monday, May 27.
Brewers fans said Counsell's return was anything but a home run.
"I'm going to boo him...well, he's a traitor," said Brewers fan Michael Gard.
Milwaukee Brewers fans minced no words when it came to the return of former Brewers head coach Craig Counsell. Some fans opted to forget Counsell's name all together.
"Who's Craig Counsell? Never heard of him," said Brewers fan Parker Ulness.
The tension between fans and Counsell came several months after the longtime coach announced he was leaving the Milwaukee Brewers to coach the Chicago Cubs, a career move making Counsell the highest paid manager in Major League Baseball.
"He went for the money, he went to the enemy," said Gard.
After spending nearly two decades with the Brewers in some capacity, including nine seasons as manager, the news of Counsell's departure shocked fans, but some said a change was needed.
"I thought it was time for change, I thought the Brewers did well with him, it's been a great run, they've had some great teams, but I think it's time for them to get to the next level, and so in order to that you need change," said Brewers fan Peter Shippee.
While Brewers fans are still adjusting to life without Counsell, Cubs fans said they have welcomed the coach with open arms.
"I think Craig Counsell is doing a good job, he's going to keep doing his thing, I think the players like him, I think he's creating a good environment in the club house, I think that we have some good talent on the team, and we are going to have a good season, fingers crossed," said Cubs fan Zoe Sprout.
The final score of Monday's game was Chicago Cubs - 1, Milwaukee Brewers - 5.