Brewers legends brought back memories of old to the Milwaukee faithful during the Alumni Home Run Derby at American Family Field.
The derby took place following the Brewers’ 5-1 loss to the Marlins in front of a sold out crowd of 41,944 with most fans sticking around for the festivities.
Serving as a celebration of the 25th season of American Family Field, formerly known as Miller Park, the competition was held in both an individual and team format with former outfields Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun serving as team captains.
Braun, the Brewers all-time leader in home runs, compiled a team made up of Casey McGhee, Bill Hall, Marcus Thames and Corey Hart, who led the group with five home runs.
Gomez, who played six seasons in Milwaukee, selected Prince Fielder, Keon Buxton, Yovani Gallardo and Nyjer Morgan to his team.
Coming away with the win on the day was Team Gomez with 15 home runs from the crew, five of which came from Buxton who relished the opportunity as the underdog.
“I love those moments when I’m the underdog,” Buxton said according to MLB.com. “Just being here with these guys being able to compete is such a blessing.”
Team Gomez will now have $10,000 donated to the Austism Society and Team Braun will see $5,000 donated to Habitat for Humanity through the Brewers Community Foundation.
Despite coming up short in the competition, it was a warm welcome home for the slugger who played 14 years in Milwaukee.
“For all of us to be able to feel that electricity and intensity is so special,” Braun said. “It was an incredible experience for all of us. I expected to perform better but I had an incredible time out there. The place was packed and the energy was incredible. It felt like it was a big deal to the community. I’d be happy to be part of it again.”
The turnout from the Brewers faithful despite the loss to the Marlins also stood out to Fielder who was a home run champ in Milwaukee in 2009 and then for the Detroit Tigers in 2012.
“I didn’t expect that many people to be here,” Fielder said. “I’m old, so it gave me a lot more adrenaline. Long day, I’m about to take a nap but it was a lot of fun to see the fans and a lot of the guys.”
Although no longer a part of the organization, Braun and company are continuing to keep a close eye on the current Brewers success as it looks to capture the NL Central.
“They’re incredible. So much fun to watch,” Braun said. “I’m a fan just like everybody else. Very well rounded team, great pitching staff, really good defense, great base runners. A bunch of young guys that are hungry and get after it every day. Easy team to root for.”