Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy kept the mood light on Sunday’s charter flight to Tampa, Florida, for World Series Game 3. After a brief bout of turbulence, Murphy joked, “Hey, thanks, guys. I didn’t know Quinn threw a knuckleball,” referencing the pilot’s family connection to pitcher Quinn Priester.

Family‑run charter flight

The flight was captained by GJ Priester, an uncle of Quinn Priester, with Alex Priester, a cousin, serving as first officer. Both are members of the family that founded Priester Aviation, a company that arranges charter flights for sports teams and other groups. Murphy noted the flight was “smooth as heck all flight and right when we came in, it really got a little knuckleballish,” shaking his hand to illustrate the bump.

Brewers’ World Series position

Milwaukee entered Game 3 with a 2‑0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the best‑of‑seven series. Reliever Aaron Ashby added a light‑hearted comment, saying the landing was “a little rough” but that the team was “in good hands.”

Charter logistics

According to the team, five charter flights were used to transport players, staff, and family members to Tropicana Field. The arrangement mirrors the 2024 World Series, when Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt’s father, Dwight Schmidt, piloted the New York Yankees’ charter flights.

Priester’s injury update

Quinn Priester, the 26‑year‑old right‑hander, has not pitched for Milwaukee since last year’s NL Championship Series. He began the season on the injured list with right thoracic outlet syndrome, made eight minor‑league rehab appearances, and underwent season‑ending surgery on June 22 to remove a rib and relieve nerve pressure.

The Brewers remain focused on securing a championship as the series shifts to Tampa, with the team’s leadership emphasizing both performance on the field and the camaraderie that comes from family‑run travel arrangements.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.