Brewers vs Cardinals: Quirky Rivalry Facts

Brewers Vs Cardinals

Here are some 'fried facts' (fun, quirky, and lesser-known tidbits) about the Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals rivalry in MLB:

1. The Sausage Race Started Because of the Cardinals

The famous 'Sausage Race' at Brewers games began in 1993 as a dig at the Cardinals’ 'Great American Hot Foot Race' (a between-innings race featuring giant condiments). The Brewers one-upped them with racing sausages, and it became a Milwaukee staple.

2. The 'Beer Battle' Rivalry

Both cities have deep brewing histories (Milwaukee with Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz; St. Louis with Anheuser-Busch). The Brewers even got their name from Milwaukee’s beer legacy, while the Cardinals’ stadium, Busch Stadium, is named after the famous beer brand.

3. The 'Happy Flight' Game (2011 NLCS)

In the 2011 NL Championship Series, the Cardinals beat the Brewers in Game 6 to advance to the World Series. After the game, St. Louis players chanted 'Happy Flight!' (a tradition after road wins), which became a rallying cry for their championship run. Brewers fans still hate it.

4. Braun vs. Molina: A Feud for the Ages

Yadier Molina (Cardinals’ legendary catcher) and Ryan Braun (former Brewers MVP) had a heated rivalry, including a 2012 brawl after Braun took issue with Molina’s tagging style.

5. The 'Crew' Almost Moved to St. Louis

Before the Brewers existed, the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966. St. Louis almost got an expansion team in 1967, but Milwaukee fought to get the Seattle Pilots (who became the Brewers in 1970).

6. The Cardinals Own the All-Time Record

As of 2024, the Cardinals lead the all-time series 1,291–1,170 (dating back to when the Brewers were in the AL). Since Milwaukee moved to the NL in 1998, the rivalry has intensified.

7. The 'Sausage Incident' (2003)

In a game against the Cardinals, Brewers’ Randall Simon famously whacked a racing sausage (the Italian one) with his bat, leading to a misdemeanor charge and a suspension. The sausage, 'Guido,' became a legend.

8. Both Teams Have Weird Curse Stories

The Cardinals have the 'Curse of Keith Hernandez' (trading him in 1983 led to years of struggles). The Brewers have the 'Curse of the Bambino’s Shadow'—they’ve never won a World Series, while the rival Red Sox (who once shared ownership with Milwaukee) broke theirs in 2004.

9. The 'Home Run Derby' Game (2019)

In a wild 2019 game, the Brewers and Cardinals combined for 11 home runs (a Busch Stadium record), with Milwaukee winning 15-14. Christian Yelich and Paul Goldschmidt each hit two.

10. The Secret 'Cheese vs. Toast' Rivalry

Milwaukee is known for cheese, while St. Louis has toasted ravioli. When the teams play, fans often joke about which city has better food—cheese curds vs. gooey butter cake.

Bonus: The 'Bud Selig Connection'

Former Brewers owner Bud Selig (who later became MLB Commissioner) helped move Milwaukee to the NL Central in 1998, setting up more frequent matchups with the Cardinals.

Would you like more deep-cut stats or memorable moments? This rivalry has plenty! 🍻⚾

Brewers vs Cardinals: Quirky Rivalry Facts

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