George Bamberger helped lift the Brewers out of mediocrity. Harvey Kuenn took them to their only World Series appearance in 1982. Tom Trebelhorn and Phil Garner each had a successful stint in Milwaukee.

Still, for my money, Craig Counsell is the best manager in Brewers history. There’s the tangible evidence of a franchise-record four straight postseason appearances. Even in an era where there are more playoff berths to be had, Counsell deserves credit for the current run.

Yet for me, this is beyond pitching decisions and lineup moves. Counsell instills a positive and winning attitude. He carries a confidence that never concedes anything to an opponent. His players pick up on that.

Counsell recently celebrated his seventh anniversary of taking over as manager. At age 51, he could stay on the job for many more years and hold every franchise managerial record. He currently trails only Garner in wins and will pass him soon.
Entering Thursday, he has 557 wins to Garner’s 563.

Counsell won two World Series as a player and has a burning desire to bring a championship to the team of his youth, the Brewers.

It’s another aspect of why I think Counsell is the perfect guy for the job. It means more to him because of his history with the franchise. His dad, John, worked in the Brewers’ front office for years.

I see a day where confetti is coming down on Counsell during a championship parade down Wisconsin Avenue. When it happens, it will not surprise Counsell. It will simply fulfill his vision.