MILWAUKEE -- It was like old times at American Family Field on Friday, with Brewers players from bygone days slugging home runs as fans cheered each long ball.
Prince Fielder hit a few bombs like he did during his playing days with the Brewers. So did sluggers Ryan Braun, Carlos Gómez and Eric Thames, among others. Several fan favorites from past Brewers teams took part in the inaugural Alumni Home Run Derby, which followed the Brewers 5-1 loss to the Marlins in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,944, nearly all of whom stuck around for this unique and special event.
The derby provided some major post-game fun for the fans after they witnessed a game that featured few highlights beyond Jackson Chourio’s 17th home run of the season, which extended his career-high hitting streak to 18 games.
The derby featured team and individual competitions and served as a highlight of the daylong celebration recognizing the 25th season of American Family Field (formerly Miller Park).
“For all of us to be able to feel that electricity and intensity is so special,” said Braun, who spent his entire 14-year career with the Brewers and served as one of the team captains. “It was an incredible experience for all of us. I expected to perform better but I had an incredible time out there. “The place was packed and the energy was incredible. It felt like it was a big deal to the community. I’d be happy to be part of it again.”
Gómez, who played for six seasons in Milwaukee, served as the other team captain.
Team Gómez -- which featured Fielder, Keon Broxton, Yovani Gallardo and Nyjer Morgan – took the crown with 15 home runs, led by, perhaps a bit surprisingly, Broxton with five dingers.
“I love those moments when I’m the underdog,” Broxton said. “Just being here with these guys and being able to compete is such a blessing.”
Team Braun included Casey McGehee, Bill Hall, Thames and Corey Hart, who led the squad with five homers. Longtime Brewers coach Ed Sedar and alum George Kottaras served as the pitching and catching duo for the derby.
Hart said he was dealing with sore oblique but wasn’t going to miss out on the competition.
“My whole right side was locked up but I was pretty how happy with how it went,” Hart said.
Broxton defeated Hart 3-2 for the individual title. The 35-year-old Broxton circled the bases after clubbing the winning homer and as he crossed the plate his teammates fell to the ground in a bowling ball-like celebration made famous after a Fielder walk-off home run in 2009.
“I was coming in to win and have fun and ultimately was just coming back to see the fans and give back to the people who showed me so much love,” Broxton said.
Broxton was awarded with a trophy that stands several feet high for his winning effort.
“I don’t know how I’m going to get it to my house, but it’s going home with me,” he said.
Team Gómez will have $10,000 donated to the Autism Society while a $5,000 donation will be to Habitat for Humanity on behalf of Team Braun through the Brewers Community Foundation.
Fielder, who won two Major League All-Star Game Home Run Derby championships, first in 2009 representing the Brewers and then again in 2012 as a Detroit Tiger, said the large and boisterous crowd provided him with much-needed energy.
“I didn’t expect that many people to be here. I’m old, so it gave me a lot more adrenaline,” Fielder said. “Long day, I’m about to take a nap but it was a lot of fun to see the fans and a lot of the guys.”
Hall, too, was surprised by the size of the crowd that stuck around to watch their heroes from the past.
“It literally looked like the whole stadium stayed around,” Hall said. “It just goes to show the appreciation they have for us and this current team.”
Braun said he will keep a close eye on the current Brewers team, which is 61-42 and returns to action Saturday night against the Marlins.
“They’re incredible. So much fun to watch,” Braun said. “I’m a fan just like everybody else. Very well-rounded team, great pitching staff, really good defense, great base runners. A bunch of young guys that are hungry and get after it every day. Easy team to root for.”