'This is every kids dream': Milwaukee sports superfan Hunter Peterson hypes up fans for Brewers and Bucks games

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hunter Peterson is the ultimate hype man. The 22-year-old is a member of both the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1-Force and the Milwaukee Bucks 414 crew fan engagement squads.

“I think this is every kids dream. To work for [not just] one major league team, but two,” said Craig Peterson, Hunter’s dad.

Peterson says that hyping up the home teams has always been Hunter’s passion. “He’s always been a bit of a cheerleader, and he’s always loved sports,” said Craig. "Ever since he was really tiny, he’s been a fan of football, basketball and baseball.”

Hunter’s career started in 2019 with the Bucks. His dad believes Hunter was the first person with Down Syndrome to ever perform on an NBA Entertainment team.

“He was the trailblazer, and the last couple of years they’ve now added I think 5 more people with special needs,” said Criag. “So, Hunter has led by example and opened the doors.”

Hunter’s sixth season with the Bucks is now ramping up. He just wrapped his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers and had auditioned for the 4-1 Force for its inaugural year in 2023.

"He did absolutely great, and everybody loved him, and he has an infectious smile that makes everybody happy, so he was hired right away,” said Criag.

It’s a fun job, but it’s also a big job. Hours before each game, they have a team meeting to prep for the day. For the Brewers, Hunter appears all over the stadium. From giving high fives in the tailgate parking lot, to dancing the beer barrel polka on top of the dugout.

“One second he’ll be way over in Bernie's Chalet, and the next minute he’ll be right behind home plate, which is blocks away,” stated Craig.

Hunter has become a big part of some fan-favorite traditions. Becoming well-known both at American Family Field and Fiserv Forum thanks to his infectious smile and fantastic attitude.

“When they see him, they light up and Hunter lights up, and he brings so much enthusiasm with his high-fives to the fans, and even when the players see him,” stated Craig.

For Hunter’s dad, seeing the teams embrace Hunter has been heartwarming. He’s even received messages from other parents of children with special needs. “Parents will send me a note saying ‘boy, my child was so excited when they saw Hunter,’ because finally they saw someone who looks like them working for a Major League team,” said Craig.

Hunter’s great work is helping to create opportunities for others and showing off what it means to be a number one fan.

“Many people haven't had much of a relationship or have gotten to know someone with special needs, but through the Milwaukee Brewers, they’re getting to know Hunter,” said Craig. “Include these folks, these special needs folks in everything you do, in everyday life.”