A little OT - Bernie the Brewer
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jul 30, 2008 12:08 PM CDT
72 comments
Extreme forms of political correctness really bug me, and a prime example of this is what happened to Bernie the Brewer over the last few years. Originally, when a Brewers player hit a home run, Bernie slid down a chute into a big mug of beer, or something that looked like beer. I always thought that was a fun and clever departure from the usual mascot antics, and was certainly appropriate given Milwaukee's fame as the beer capital of the U.S. So, I was disappointed when they replaced the beer in Bernie's mug with balloons several years ago. It didn't have the same visual appeal, and struck me as an attempt to create a "kid friendly" atmosphere at the ballpark that went a little too far. Apparently, though, that wasn't tame enough, so they ultimately did away with Bernie's mug altogether and now he just slides down onto a catwalk, which makes very little sense and just looks silly.
I don't know why the Brewers changed Bernie's routine, but I suspect they were pressured to do it by the hysterical busybody types who are determined to sanitize all aspects of society to protect the kiddies from unsavory influences. What's ironic is that they took away Bernie's beer in a ballpark that's named for a beer company and where the majority of adults in the stands drink beer while watching a team named for the people who make it. Something's very wrong with that picture, and I think they should give back Bernie's beer. Where's the harm in that?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Honestly, I wished they would just get rid of mascots all together IMHO
"Okay, just so I understand it...in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil."- Jim Halpert
by ryanbrixenivy on Jul 30, 2008 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bah Humbug!
What are you, like 90?
by Tackle Box on Jul 30, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If u look at my picture I am clearly a 90 year old man, my colostomy bag couldnt fit in the frame but in all seriousness
I think mascots are just obnoxious, they remind me of when you go to a minor league game. If you can’t have enough fun with the game going on around you, you may need to find a new way to spend your money
"Okay, just so I understand it...in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil."- Jim Halpert
by ryanbrixenivy on Jul 30, 2008 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ME too.
Mascots suck. I am not even a fan of cheerleaders (for the most part wink wink) just leave the cheering to the fans. And for those franchises that have crappy fan bases, tough! I always think to myself how pissed I would be if I was at RFK, paid for the good field seats, and some dumbass ex-president with his BIG ASS head sat in front of me and tried to rile up the dead crowd.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this time next year
we’ll be playing the Milwaukee Root Brewers. The new mascot, Barqie the Root Brewer slides into a mug of cola. And the children of American, nay, THE WORLD are saved.
I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.
by neverAcquiesce on Jul 30, 2008 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
thats some good soda!
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
by El Borto on Jul 30, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soda has too much sugar, it'd have to be carrot juice or water
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Jul 30, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very funny!
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree 100% with the original poster
and wish to emphasize that the team is the BREWERS and they play in MILLER park.
next PC, kid-friendly adaptation: the milwaukee fudge packers to play in candyland.
the pink hat guy is my father
by joeschmitt on Jul 30, 2008 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it seems weird that he just slids on to a platform
but thats what it is.
as for mascots….while I’m glad the Cubs don’t have one cause I don’t think they need one, I’m not against mascots and actually like bernie and the racing sausages.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on Jul 30, 2008 12:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
cubs don't have a mascot?
Ron Santo?
He isn’t employed due to his outstanding broadcasting skills.
by Tackle Box on Jul 30, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron's employed because he's a Cubs fan, thick-n-though...
...and easily vocalizes many of the emotions and frustrations of Cubs fans alike. I enjoy him as a WGN broadcaster and look to him as one of the heart and souls of this organization. Are you a Cubs fan? I don’t know you, but ripping on Ron isn’t very nice.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jul 30, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ronnie Woo Woo
is the closest I can think of and he is despised by most.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
Tackle is ripping on Ron, he is just pointing out the facts…aside from being beloved by Cubs fans…he really is not an outstanding broadcaster. I love Ron Santo, but I won’t argue that he is the next Vin Scully.
by StevenABQ on Jul 30, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno....
....when a Cub player does something wrong, you can get a pretty good sense of how bad it is by how closely Santo comes to actually saying “aw, s*!” That’s one particular kind of verbal communication!
But seriously, I get most of my game exposure from Pat + Ron, and enjoy it a lot. Even my wife gets a kick out of Santo’s approach to broadcasting.
"Eighty-five percent of the world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here." - Lee Elia, 1983
"The only thing that bothers me is that I would never want to destroy the love and what the fans of Chicago are to the Chicago Cubs. I mean, God knows. If there's one pure thing in baseball, it is the fans of Chicago." - Lee Elia, 2008
by CaughtInTheVines on Jul 30, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not arguing that
What I’m saying is that he is not your traditional broadcaster…the Frick award will probably not be up in his mantle anytime soon. And, again to Cubs fans he is beloved, but that does not make him a stellar announcer. I also listen to Pat and Ron…and for what they do for the Cubs I enjoy it…does it mean I hold them in the upper crust of baseball announcers from history, no.
by StevenABQ on Jul 30, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But neither would he.
He knows why he’s in the booth. And while an aspiring broadcaster wouldn’t listen to him for a study in the practice of the art, the Cub fan listening to WGN radio is treated to a true fan calling the game.
I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an overabundance of schooling, so why don't we just ignore each other til we go away.
by neverAcquiesce on Jul 30, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not a mascot
He doesn’t parade around trying to stimulate a crowd. He’s a former Cub great, that has his number retired, SHOULD be in the HoF and wears his heart on his sleave.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron is the heart and soul of the Cubs
and his comments come from the gut.
As to that “Hall of Fame” hooey, they just installed Walter O’Malley and Bowie Kuhn. Ron is so much more qualified than those two lifelong liers…,
by santo4hof on Jul 30, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as he holds this...he can slide into anything he wants...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2008 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Beautiful!
Just sent this pic to everyone going on our tailgate tomorrow; including cheeseheads from Milw, Fon du lac, Madison and Green Bay.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for him holding that sign
but those are the occasions when a nice big cold mug of beer tastes particularly sweet!
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jul 30, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey SWL
Any chance you can make Bernie the guy who usually holds this sign up at the Cub games?
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well okay then...
silence…..crickets…
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I think mascots are so minor league
and hope to hell one never appears at the old north side ball yard, this is a tradition for the BrewCrew. This is just another sign of liberal driven political correctness gone awry in this country.
Ya can’t do anything without “offending” someone. Well, you know what PC’ers? If you’re offended by a guy jumping into a hypothetical beer after a home run, then TFB! Don’t go to the ball park, don’t whine to anyone and most of all quit trying to impose your idiotic thinking on others.
I want to bitch-slap these pricks that enact these stupid ideas and ask them if they have a F-ing clue. The team name is BREWERS. They play in a city famous for landing German immigrants, 150 years ago who were BREW-masters. Their ball park is named for one of those BREW-masters, Frederick MILLER.
It’s like the sausage race. Guess what #5 is now. Why is that? PC; and only PC. Catering to a specific group so you “look good and are sensitive”. It’s the same reason why I absolutely refuse to shop at Lowe’s.
“Did you know Milwaukee is the only major American city to ever elect 3 socialist mayors?”
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What's the Lowe's issue?
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow from the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind...
When my last remains go flying over the left field wall, I'll bid the bleacher bums adieu,
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue. --Steve Goodman
by NotSure on Jul 30, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Multi-lingual signs
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what are your suggestions
miss psychologist?
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what do you do when lou dobbs is on
the same time as the ballgame?
must be quite the conundrum.
by nathew on Jul 30, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Possibly the best post in the history of this site
by Leon Durham on Jul 30, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His programs
as well as others don’t interest me, though it appears you believe they do.
Good luck in your continued interest to analyze others. You’ll go far.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2008 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed 100%
Nothing should ever change. EVER!
Don’t have a chorizo sausage no matter what because bratwursts and polish and italian sausages have been here longer!!!
Signs in Spanish at Lowe’s?!? That’s an outrage. Why would a business want to have signs that enable them to sell more goods and make more money. That’s ridiculous.
Thank you, blackhawk24, for protecting us from those trying to impose idiotic thinking by being so open-minded. It is very clear from your post how much you’ve thought through everything.
Change is BAD!
by Leon Durham on Jul 30, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Change Bad
HULK SMASH!
Seriously though, I agree with you…this is just good ol fashioned American marketing at its finest.
by StevenABQ on Jul 30, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You beat me to it Leon
I know it’s sometimes hard to resist-but I wish people would try a little harder to keep their political views to themselves
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Despite some on a quest to criticize everyone who has an opinion...
I get the gist of this post. The mug of beer was not hurting anyone. If it was, then so is the name of the club, the name of the park, and so many other things related to this franchise.
It was fine, the other stuff, well, I’ll leave the attacks to someone else.
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why do you need
someone to tell you when to cheer?
’’If somebody had told me we were going to lose Soriano for eight weeks, lose [Carlos] Zambrano and Kerry Wood for a couple of weeks apiece, and then at the same time lose [Reed] Johnson, and then when we played the American League not have a DH [then-injured Daryle Ward], and be in first place by two games, I’d tell you we were pretty fortunate.’’ Lou Piniella (7/23/08)
by drewishdrewid on Jul 30, 2008 12:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't know...
Never knew but then again I grew up in Chicago Stadium (watching the team the place was built for; only) and Wrigley Field. I still don’t get why. It’s like they think everyone has ADHD; constant stimulation…
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Vail...
You nailed it here….
hysterical busybody types who are determined to sanitize all aspects of society to protect the kiddies from unsavory influences
At the end of the day, like all of the over reactions today, elements of total hypocrisy ooze from actions like this.
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
by JB 23 on Jul 30, 2008 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Would somebody PLEASE think of the children?!"
—Helen Lovejoy
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jul 30, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Simpsons quotes never get old...nor are the ever OT lol
"Okay, just so I understand it...in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil."- Jim Halpert
by ryanbrixenivy on Jul 30, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
JB 23
Hyprocisy is right. I live in Iowa, and our enlightened state government just passed a law that bans indoor smoking everywhere except casinos. I’m sure it’s only coincidental that the gambling industry donated huge amounts of money to our legislators.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jul 30, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Years ago...
...someone told me (not sure how accurate this is) that when the Iowa legislators wanted to prevent water-skiing after dark, they went out to California and copied the ordinance there verbatim, thus also making it illegal to surf after dark in Iowa.
(Even if it’s still legal, how likely is it?)
by MN exile on Jul 30, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish the team/stadium would be more beer friendly
Like many have mentioned above, they are called the “brewers”. I don’t think many people even link beer and brewers together, kind of like understanding their old M-B mit symbol.
I wish the stadium would add more beer friendly icons. The original poster forgot to mention that Bernie’s old home was a wooden keg, now his home is a stupid little house. They should bring back the keg as well as the beer mug. Also, I always thought it would be cool if over the center field wall they added a huge brew kettle that actually contained real beer. The beer could then be sold by the “brewers” within the stadium. It could be like the Brewers own micro brew. Just a thought, but I definitely agree with the original post.
by brewfan2 on Jul 30, 2008 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't say this to be
Mean or anything, but seriously…do you really think most people don’t get the connection between the Brewers and Beer? You could be right…but that would be kinda of shocking…and really sad.
by StevenABQ on Jul 30, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not putting the connection together
It’s more of people don’t think about the name. Kind of like the Twins or the Mets. I’ve come across a lot of people that don’t put the two together, and even more that never understood the old baseball mit logo.
by brewfan2 on Jul 30, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OIC
Mets and Twins I can kinda see, as well as the mitt logo. But unless these people are Kids, Old people, or have a valid reason for not making connections in reality. I think you should take it upon yourself to slap them in the head.
by StevenABQ on Jul 30, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next thing they'll stop playing
“roll out the barrel” after “take me out to the ballgame”.
On the thought of microbrew – and unless Miller objects, which IMHO they should not – having a RAM on premises there would be great. I could fill my growlers right there for our tailgate.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 30, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aram has better things to do
like patrol the hot corner and take us to the playoffs!
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on Jul 30, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RAM is a microbrew / restaurant
...not Aramis Ramirez…
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The old M-B mit
Was one of the greatest logos in any sport ever.
Of course I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t know what it was until I was in college…
by Mapmaker on Jul 30, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Some of today’s logos are a little extravagant. The Milwaukee M-B mitt was simple but extremely well-designed. If they were still in the AL I would probably have a throwback cap. The old-school Mariners trident logo is also a personal favorite of mine.
by SplintChesthair on Jul 30, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Notice "e" in Expos Logo
I always saw it as an M, but it had an “e” in the left part of the logo. This wasn’t as good as the Brewers early 1980’s logo.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 30, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The could "brew" some more of that secret stadium sauce out there!
God I love that stuff!
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on Jul 30, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the idea about them brewing their own beer
is fantastic. It would be an attraction in itself.
And I’m not a drinker!
by ScottT on Jul 30, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see him slide into this...
Calm down.
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 30, 2008 1:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pat was funny yesterday
Stating that Bernie’s slide was set in such a way where halfway through it looks like he’s going to go flying into the crowd. He also kept mentioning that the usually smiling Bernie was looking a little morose during yesterday’s game.
by rgonzale on Jul 30, 2008 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Take the tour at Lakefront Brewery...
to see Bernie’s original hut and slide. I think it’s still there.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on Jul 30, 2008 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just going to say the same thing. We took the tour earlier this summer and it is still there. OT: That tour was actually a pretty sweet deal. $6 for the tour and you also got 4 tokens to redeem for drinks before, during, or after the tour. Then, at the end, you turn in your plastic cup for a souvenier pint glass.
by CubFan81 on Jul 30, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we even sure that's why?
Maybe the dude in the costume didn’t like the foam rubber sopping up whatever cheap swill they filled the mug with and smelling like that all day?
Also, I’m not sure not wanting to encourage children to drink is a strictly “PC/liberal” viewpoint.
by SplintChesthair on Jul 30, 2008 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They got rid of him for awhile...
They got rid of the mascot altogether in the 80s. He wasn’t there at games in the late 80s that I attended. He came back around the time of the strike cause I recall seeing him for the first time at County Stadium in ‘94. I don’t remember the details of his return – was there a campaign to bring him back?
We sell spatulas...and that's all.
by LaddieRenfroe on Jul 30, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pat was commenting on Bernie again tonight...
He mentioned him, and Ron said, “I haven’t thought about him all night…” Then Ronnie pulled out the binoculars and started scanning for Bernie. Pat mentioned, “You may not have been thinking about him, but I’m sure he’s been thinking about you…” Priceless. Pat knows just how to rib Ron. Absolutely priceless. Then he proceeded to describe Bernie as scowling again. (Hopefully that scowl is planted on his huge head again tomorrow!)
With Cubs legend Ron Santo...
by PatHughesFan on Jul 30, 2008 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bernie Brewer is cool
And the original poster is correct. Political correctness run amok and the height of hypocrisy. The Milwaukee BREWERS who play in MILLER PARK in BEER CAPITAL USA.
No longer feeding the instigators and the clueless in fervent hope that BCB is salvageable.
by MDBNIU on Jul 30, 2008 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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