Craig Counsell gets very harsh reception from Brewers fans in return to Milwaukee

Feb 23, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Counsell got booed like Mr. Burns in his return to Milwaukee.

The Chicago Cubs manager Counsell was back in Milwaukee on Monday for the first time since leaving as Brewers manager over the offseason. The Cubs were in town to open up a four-game set against their NL Central rivals.

The Brewers decided to air a tribute video for Counsell before the game at American Family Field. But it turned out to be an ill-advised decision.

As the video aired, the Milwaukee faithful booed Counsell to Saturn. Brewers host Dominic Cotroneo captured video of the deafening boos.

Tribute video did not go well. pic.twitter.com/Oef0iLR6ME

— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) May 27, 2024

Counsell managed the Brewers from 2015-23, leading them to five playoff berths and three division titles. But he very quickly became Milwaukee’s most hated over the offseason when he defected to the rival Cubs as their new manager. Just days later, a sign of Counsell in Wisconsin was even vandalized.

The Brewers Wall of Honor member Counsell has since added fuel to the fire by taking some shots at Milwaukee ever since he joined the Cubs. Thus, the raucous jeers for Counsell on Monday were hardly surprising.