Brewers fans tailgate; share playoff optimism, superstitions
MILWAUKEE - The American Family Field parking lots filled up Wednesday as Milwaukee Brewers fans tailgated ahead of the second Wild Card game.
For two MLB teams, the postseason party will last all month long. For Brewers fans, they arrived for the win-or-go-home game in hopes to have one more night.
"Not too nervous, but a little nervous," said Henry Lins.
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Hope among fans was a lot like a game of catch; the opportunity in Game 1 thrown away, with a second chance in Game 2 coming right back.
"I think the Brewers are a good comeback team, just hoping they can pull another one out," Matt Lins said.
Brewers fans tailgate before Game 2 of the 2023 NL Wild Card series against the Diamondbacks
"Little concerned, but I think we can pull through," said Will Dehn. "Stakes are high. Playoff baseball. Couldn't ask for anything else."
There was a bit of a nervous energy around Wednesday's tailgates, but the chance to level the series at home means fans weren't spiraling out of control just yet.
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"We got Peralta on the mound. We just took a loss at home after leaving 12 guys on, so we're hitting the ball. We're hitting them well. We just gotta get those runners home and convert some runs on the board," said Garrett Grzesk.
"They have to, so their backs are up against the wall. And every time that's happened over the course of this past season, they pretty much seem to, you know, come back," said Andrew Blick.
Good luck charms and superstitions
Fans told FOX6 News they are bringing whatever luck they can into the ballpark – some wearing different jerseys or lucky bracelets. A fan from Appleton said the team has won both games he previously brought his robotic bartender to.
"It’s payback day, you know what they say about payback," said Steve Ryan.
Fans like Ryan said they had superstitions heading into the game.
"Yesterday, we made a critical mistake – got here too early," he said. "I think the crowd fed off of us, so a little low energy, so today we are coming fully prepared, we slept well."
"We have a bus trip here for seven years, and we are 7-0, so I'm the good look charm," said Deborah Aken.
Other fans said they are wearing the same outfits and tailgating at the same spots.
Brewers fans tailgate before Game 2 of the 2023 NL Wild Card series against the Diamondbacks
"It's just about being here for the team and supporting," said Brian Glaser. "Why not us?"
Some fans brought out some special Brewers memorabilia for good luck, including a line of bobbleheads.
"I think we started collecting towels in 2018," said Brian. "We are looking forward to getting more tonight."