Milwaukee — The eyes of the baseball world are on American Family Field, where Game 5 of the 2025 NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers is set to take place. And just before the game began, Coach Craig Counsell — a former Brewers legend who now leads the rival Cubs — touched fans with a heartfelt, quiet, yet profound message to the baseball community.
“This isn’t just a game. For me, it’s a journey of a lifetime. I’ve been on the other side of the line, I’ve heard the cheers in this field… but tonight, I’m here to lead my guys to fight until the very last breath,” Counsell shared in his pre-game press conference.
No one could have written a more dramatic script: Craig Counsell, who spent nine years with the Milwaukee Brewers, leading them to multiple playoff seasons, is now back here, but wearing the Chicago Cubs jersey, their longtime Central Division rival.
So tonight’s Game 5 is not just a battle for a ticket to the ALCS, but also an emotional confrontation between the past and the present.
Brewers fans hung banners reading “Once a Brewer, always a Brewer” among “Traitor!” signs outside the field — the atmosphere was as tense as a string.
When asked about the reaction of the Milwaukee audience, Counsell just smiled slightly:
“I know them. I was one of them. No matter who wins, I just want them to know — I respect this place more than anything.”
Cubs players say Counsell’s emotions are the biggest source of motivation for this Game 5.
Ian Happ, the hero of Game 4, revealed:
“He didn’t need to shout. He just looked each player in the eye and said, ‘We came all this way, let’s finish it.’ And that was enough.”
The Cubs offense was on fire, scoring six runs in the first five innings of Game 4, shutting out the Brewers’ entire bullpen. Counsell, known for his meticulous tactics and calm demeanor, chose to channel his energy through silence and eyes.
“I want players to feel the pressure, but not fear it,” he said. “Because it’s the pressure that will make them legends.”
Both Milwaukee and Chicago knew this was more than just a Game 5. This was a game of loyalty, of memories, of growth and forgiveness.
For Counsell, it was a confrontation between two halves of his heart—one where he began his coaching career, the other a journey to prove himself amid countless doubts.
“I don’t want anyone to be hurt by my decision. But life moves forward, and tonight, I just want people to remember — I still love Milwaukee, even though I’m fighting for Chicago.”
As the lights at American Family Field came up and cheers filled the stands, Craig Counsell stepped out, wearing a dark blue Cubs cap, his eyes on the place he once called “home.”
This Game 5 was not just a game that would decide who would survive the NLDS, but also a touching chapter in the journey of a man who once belonged to both worlds.
And as he said before taking the field:
“If this is my last game in Milwaukee, I want it to be remembered for the heart, not the boundaries.”
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