The Brewers play their home opener against the Mets Monday afternoon at American Family Field. I talked with Author Matthew Prigge about his new book “Opening Day in Milwaukee." Here is part of that interview:

Dennis: What makes opening day in Milwaukee special?

Matthew: I think there is a few things. One of the big things that is important to talk about now is just how opening day, especially here in the Midwest, is the transition from Winter into Spring, or what is supposed to be Spring time. I am headed to the opener on Monday and l am anticipating on getting things back out. Getting the cooler back out, getting the grill back out. So, it’s getting to the return of the summertime patterns and being able to enjoy stuff outdoors again. That’s part of the appeal to it.

Dennis: The Milwaukee Braves played at County Stadium from 1953-1965. This book concentrates on the Brewers years, of course they moved here in 1970. As a kid I remember the Sixto grand slam in 1980. What opening days that you researched stood out? 

Matthew: Personally, opening day was a tradition for me and my dad. My first opener was in 1992, I was 10, so that was quite a thrill to get to skip school and go down there. We went to 28 of them in a row, so I have a big personal connection to opening day. I think a lot of people do. The Sixto moment for me personally was 2019 and Lorenzo Cain made a great catch to save the game. Just in terms of the game itself, a great moment. My father passed away a couple years ago, so that was the last time I got to go to a game with him. I've heard from some people already on how they have friends and family that this is a big part of their relationship, and just a treasured tradition that they do every year.

Dennis: Certainly well put. As you gathered material for the book, I am wondering what is the big difference between opening day at County Stadium and what is now known as American Family Field? 

Matthew: Miller Park openers were more sedate in comparison, I think. The big thing, the consistent thing is what happens in the parking lot with tailgating. Everybody is excited for another year of Brewers baseball.

If you’d like more information on "Opening Day in Milwaukee," click here.

You can watch the full interview with Dennis & Matthew above.