The Milwaukee Brewers: A Reminder of What Playing Baseball the Right Way Really Means

There is something about the Milwaukee Brewers that I really appreciate, and it goes well beyond their success on the field.

In an era where so much attention is placed on individual statistics, physical tools, exit velocities, throwing velocities, and personal recognition, the Brewers have demonstrated that there is still tremendous value in understanding how to play baseball the right way.

They compete, pay attention to details, execute situations, and have created an environment where players understand their responsibilities.

The Brewers finished the 2026 regular season with a franchise-record 103 victories and advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1982. Those accomplishments are impressive, but what has caught my attention is how manager Pat Murphy has handled situations where players haven't met his expectations.

I've always believed that baseball players should be allowed to make mistakes. Hitters are going to strike out, fielders are going to commit errors, and pitchers are going to struggle. Those are part of the game, and they're opportunities for coaches to teach. But there's a significant difference between making a physical mistake and failing to give the effort or attention that a situation requires.

Accountability Doesn't Care How Good You Are

During an August game against the New York Mets, Brewers rookie Cooper Pratt hit a popup that fell between three defenders. Rather than running hard out of the batter's box and putting himself in a position to take advantage of the mistake, Pratt hesitated and ended up at first base. Murphy immediately removed him for a pinch runner.

Murphy explained that the issue wasn't simply about hustle. It was about being mentally engaged, recognizing the situation, and understanding what the game required. Pratt had made an assumption about the outcome of the play rather than preparing himself for the possibility that something unexpected might happen.

Several weeks later, Murphy made another decision that caught my attention, this time involving All-Star catcher William Contreras. During a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Contreras failed to run hard on a ground ball to shortstop. Trea Turner bobbled the baseball but still had enough time to make the play. Murphy subsequently removed Contreras from the game.

What makes these situations particularly interesting is that they involved two completely different players. Pratt was a rookie trying to establish himself in the Major Leagues, while Contreras was one of Milwaukee's most accomplished and important players. Murphy wasn't willing to overlook the behaviour simply because one player had a more established reputation or contributed significantly to the team's success.

I've coached long enough to recognize how difficult that can sometimes be. But when coaches begin making exceptions, they create an environment where expectations become dependent on someone's ability rather than their responsibility to the team.

A standard that only applies to certain players isn't a team standard.

Respecting the Game Has to Mean Something

We hear coaches talk about respecting the game all the time, but I sometimes wonder whether we're actually teaching what it means or simply repeating an expression that sounds good.

To me, respecting the game begins with understanding that every responsibility on a baseball field matters. Running hard out of the batter's box, backing up a base, knowing where to throw the baseball, understanding the situation, and being prepared for every pitch are all part of being a complete player. None of these responsibilities requires exceptional physical ability, but they do require discipline, awareness, and a willingness to remain engaged.

One of my biggest frustrations is watching players decide when those responsibilities deserve their attention. I've seen players demonstrate tremendous energy when they're having success, but become noticeably disengaged when they're struggling. Sometimes that same player will work exceptionally hard during an evaluation or showcase, yet approach a regular practice with considerably less intensity.

Baseball is a game where players have very little control over the results, but they have complete control over their preparation, attention, and willingness to compete.

I also believe that respecting the game means respecting the other people who are depending on you. Baseball might involve individual performances, but the responsibilities are shared.

The Standard Starts With the Coach

When I look at Murphy's decisions, I think one of the biggest lessons for youth baseball is actually directed toward coaches.

It's easy to establish expectations during a preseason meeting. Coaches talk about effort, commitment, teamwork, discipline, and respecting the game. Organizations promote those same values when describing their programs. But the real challenge comes when a player fails to meet those expectations and the coach has to decide whether they're willing to address it.

I think this is where coaches have to be willing to make decisions that might not always be popular. That doesn't mean every mistake requires a player to be removed from a game, and it certainly doesn't mean coaching through intimidation or embarrassment. Good coaching requires understanding the individual, recognizing the circumstances, and knowing when a situation calls for instruction rather than discipline.

Parents also have an important role in helping young athletes understand these situations. I recognize that nobody enjoys watching their child get removed from a game or lose playing time, but sometimes those experiences provide lessons that extend well beyond baseball. Learning to accept responsibility, respond to criticism, and recognize that actions have consequences are important parts of growing as an athlete.

Of course, that requires coaches to communicate their expectations clearly and treat players fairly, rather than expecting families to blindly accept every decision.

What I appreciate about Murphy's approach is that he wasn't questioning the character of either player. He was addressing a behaviour that needed to change. That's an important distinction because players need to understand that being corrected doesn't mean a coach has lost confidence in them. Sometimes it means the coach believes they're capable of more.

The best coaches don't avoid difficult conversations to keep players happy. They have those conversations because they care about what the players are becoming.

The Milwaukee Brewers have demonstrated that playing baseball the right way isn't about never making a mistake. It's about recognizing your responsibilities, understanding the game, and being willing to do the things that help your team succeed. And if those expectations matter at the highest level of professional baseball, they should certainly matter throughout youth baseball.