More than 6,000 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a lifelong fan celebrated a defining moment in baseball history: the Milwaukee Brewers' first World Series championship in franchise history. Michael Eglash, a Milwaukee native who has lived in Israel since 1993, shared his reflections on the Brewers’ victory, a milestone that concludes a 44-year wait since the team last appeared in the World Series.
Eglash, who now resides in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, has maintained his devotion to the Brewers despite the geographical distance and time difference. The team’s triumph resonates deeply with him, representing not only a sports achievement but also a connection to his roots and family heritage. Accompanying him for the celebration was his mother, an 86-year-old lifelong Milwaukee baseball fan who recalls the city’s baseball history, including the Milwaukee Braves’ 1957 World Series championship.
The Eglash family’s passion for Milwaukee baseball spans generations. Michael’s late father, Norbert “Papa Norb” Eglash, was instrumental in fostering this bond. A devoted historian of the sport, Norbert had an encyclopedic knowledge of Milwaukee’s baseball legacy—dating back to the minor league teams of the 1940s and the era of Borchert Field. His storytelling and enthusiasm for the game deeply influenced Michael and his siblings, creating lasting memories centered around baseball card shows and detailed discussions of players both famous and obscure.
Reflecting on the Brewers’ 1982 World Series run, Eglash recalls the widespread excitement in Milwaukee, where the team—known as “Harvey’s Wallbangers”—captivated a city hungry for a championship. The Brewers’ loss in seven games against the St. Louis Cardinals was a bittersweet moment for the young fan. Yet, the recent title victory, led by captain Christian Yelich and supported by emerging players such as Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Jacob Misiorowski, Cooper Pratt, and Brice Turang, offers a long-awaited resolution.
Contreras earned World Series MVP honors, while Misiorowski and Pratt made key contributions in the championship-clinching game. The team’s accomplishment symbolizes a new era for Milwaukee baseball, bridging the gap between the franchise’s past and present generations of athletes and fans.
Living abroad posed challenges for Eglash in following Brewers games, particularly before advances in streaming technology. He recounts one poignant episode: an early morning drive in Israel during an extra-innings game when his father called to provide a play-by-play, effectively transporting him back to Milwaukee through the shared experience of baseball.
Despite decades of living overseas, Eglash emphasizes that Milwaukee remains an inseparable part of his identity. The Brewers have been a constant thread connecting his childhood memories with his present life in Israel, linking his roles as a former Milwaukee youth, an Israeli resident, and a family man.
While Eglash’s father passed away in 2020, his presence was strongly felt during the championship celebrations. The team’s victory is viewed as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Milwaukee baseball fans, whose loyalty has endured despite years of near misses and heartbreak.
Ultimately, the Brewers’ World Series win is more than just a sports headline for Michael Eglash and his family; it is the culmination of decades of devotion and a celebration of the enduring social bonds that transcend time and place. From Milwaukee to Israel, the championship affirms that some connections—especially those forged through shared passions—remain unbroken regardless of distance.