Appleton seniors gathered at Touchmark Senior Living on Friday afternoon for a special happy hour, marking the Milwaukee Brewers’ first World Series game in 44 years. Residents, many of whom have watched baseball evolve for nearly a century, arrived with a Brewers‑themed cooler, plates of cheese curds and brats, and a palpable sense of excitement.
Generations of baseball memories
“World Series, that’s incredible,” said resident Vandy Nachazel, raising her cooler in a toast. “Who would have thought?” The sentiment was echoed by longtime fans who recall the days of the Milwaukee Braves and even earlier eras.
John Palmquist, who grew up a Chicago Cubs fan and saw Jackie Robinson play, reflected on his early baseball experiences. “I was a Cub fan, saw Jackie Robinson play,” he said, recalling Robinson’s retirement in 1956. Palmquist added, “The main thing I remember is that he went from first to third on a single, he came sliding in.”
Many Wisconsinites followed the Cubs until the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953, when the city still fielded only a minor‑league team. “I remember in seventh or eighth grade going to a game against the Toledo Mudhens,” Nachazel recalled, describing games at Borchert Field on Milwaukee’s north side in the 1940s.
From Braves to Brewers loyalty
Ann Mares, who rooted for the Milwaukee Braves and was a child when they won the 1957 World Series, shared her journey to Brewers fandom. “No, no never,” she said when asked if she ever thought the Brewers would return to the Fall Classic after the heartbreak of 1982. “And I always hoped that they would do this and get great, which they did. I was so glad they beat the Dodgers.” Mares now proudly wears a Sal Frelick jersey to the senior‑living happy hour.
Residents plan to stay glued to the television all week, savoring the historic moment. “Some folks think Tampa Bay has better pitching. We sure like our pitching,” Palmquist noted, adding, “So I’m counting on it.” The Brewers have a chance to win the franchise’s first World Series championship in 69 years.
Community spirit and family values
The gathering highlighted the importance of community and shared tradition. “I’m gonna be all alone on (watching),” resident Marie VanHandel joked, “‘Cause I yell too much!” Yet she affirmed her commitment, saying, “You bet they are. I’m going to be cheering all the way for them.” The seniors’ enthusiasm reflects the deep ties between local families, faith, and the love of baseball that unites generations.
Touchmark Senior Living’s daily 4 p.m. happy hour provides a regular social outlet for residents, and this World Series celebration added a historic milestone to their routine. As the Brewers take the field, Appleton’s senior community will watch with pride, remembering the past while looking forward to a possible championship that could bring the whole region together.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
