Article: Favorite Brewers Bracket (2010-2019): And the Winner is...

[Tim Muma]

A total of 63 matchups drew fans' attention and votes in the Favorite Milwaukee Brewers Bracket (2010-2019 edition). After all the predictions, arguments, and results, we have our champion for the previous decade.

Image courtesy of © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The battle between two of the most recognizable Milwaukee Brewers since 2010 for the "Favorite Title" turned into a blowout in the end. We'll never know if Christian Yelich's past few seasons killed his chances, but to fall to Prince Fielder by a 69-31 percent final score is disappointing for the current left fielder. Early in voting, the two went back and forth. However, as many experts predicted, Fielder was simply too popular, and was officially crowned the champion of the Favorite Brewers Bracket (2010-2019).

Despite having not played a game for the Brewers since 2011, Fielder created enough of a legacy in Milwaukee to come out on top. The burly first baseman had a handful of the franchise's top seasons in certain categories, including the two best home run seasons (50, 46), the most RBI in a season in Brewers history (141), and multiple top-10 spots in slugging percentage and OPS. 

Fielder is also the all-time Brewers leader in career OBP (.390), slugging percentage (.540), and OPS (.929), but Milwaukee's Prince was more than just stats, or he wouldn't be the fans' favorite. Fielder twice played in all 162 games in a season and missed just one game in 2010. He wanted to be on the field, competing for his teammates and fans. Fielder went all-out, pushing himself to help the club defensively and with his baserunning. His hard-nosed style and boyish smile connected with those in the stands, so the fans kept him near to their hearts even after he left for Detroit via free agency.

Yelich is experiencing some diminution of affection from Brewers fans. Nobody was better in 2018-2019, as Yelich took home one MVP and was in line for a second straight before his terrible injury ended the second season early. Yelich backers have been put to the test recently. While he hasn't been one of the worst players on the team, he hasn't come close to living up to his two peak seasons, and some Brewers fans have grown tired of him. However, the rancor clearly hasn't reached critical levels yet, since Yelich made it this far in the tournament.

With Fielder earning the title, what does it mean for Yelich and all the others who came up short? Well, there isn't much you can do for the guys out of the league. Maybe hang out more often at American Family Field, or be a staple on the TV broadcasts. Players still getting a run in the show can become more approachable, and someone who engages the audience while still playing at a high level. Being a part of a championship club would definitely help as well. But today, we celebrate Fielder and his march from 64 to number one.



Thank you to everyone for voting and participating in this labor of love. Hopefully, you enjoyed some trips down memory lane and a few "who's better" conversations along the way. And now remember, if we have a 2020-2029 Favorite Brewers Bracket, you'll see plenty of current Brewers in the bracket, and they will have a chance to wear the new (cheesehead) crown.

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