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This year marks the 35th anniversary of the most successful Milwaukee Brewers team of all-time, the 1982 American League champions that were one game away from bringing home a World Series title.
When the Brewers released their 2017 giveaway schedule a couple months ago, we noticed multiple 1982-themed giveaways in mid-July, when the Philadelphia Phillies are in town for a three-game series.
As it turns out, that entire weekend of July 14-16 will be turned into a 35th Anniversary celebration. On Friday night, the first 20,000 fans will get a powder blue 1982 replica Paul Molitor jersey. On Sunday, every fan in attendance will get a replica of the 1982 American League championship ring.
But the big event will be that Saturday, July 15th. From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
On that Saturday, coaches, players and staff from the '82 team will reunite in an on-field pregame ceremony. Jerry Augustine, Mark Brouhard, Cecil Cooper, Mike Caldwell, Jamie Easterly, Jim Gantner, Larry Haney, Moose Haas, Larry Hisle, Pete Ladd, Don “Doc” Medich, Charlie Moore, Ben Oglivie, Rob Picciolo, Ed Romero, Jim Slaton, Gorman Thomas, Pete Vuckovich and Robin Yount are all confirmed to attend. Bud Selig, former owner of the Brewers, also will be on hand.
In addition, family members will represent late manager Harvey Kuenn, and members of that front office staff will be on hand. Additional attendees may be added at a later date.
Members of that team also will hold a 45-minute autograph session for ticketed fans before the game on Saturday.
The biggest name to be missing from that list would be Molitor, but as manager of the Minnesota Twins, he has a good excuse. His squad is in Houston that weekend, so even taking a quick day off would probably be out of the question. It wouldn't be a surprise to see some sort of recognition worked out for him during the Twins' trip to Milwaukee a few weeks later, though.
Both the Brewers and Phillies will also be rocking 1982 replica uniforms for the entire series, much like the great throwbacks they wore in Philadelphia during the 2016 season. That means a weekend of the sweet powder blues from the Phils, and presumably pinstripes for the home Brewers.
Are you excited for the long list of Brewers legends that will be in attendance that weekend?