35 Facts About Craig Counsell

Early Life and Background

Craig Counsell's journey to becoming a notable figure in baseball began with a strong foundation in his early years. Here are some fascinating facts about his background.

1. Born in South Bend, Indiana: Craig Counsell was born on August 21, 1970, in South Bend, Indiana, a city known for its rich sports culture.

2. Baseball Family: His father, John Counsell, worked for the Milwaukee Brewers as a community relations director, which sparked Craig's interest in baseball from a young age.

3. High School Star: Craig attended Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin, where he excelled in baseball, earning All-State honors.

4. Notre Dame Graduate: He played college baseball at the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in accounting and was a standout player for the Fighting Irish.

Professional Playing Career

Craig Counsell's professional career is marked by significant achievements and memorable moments. Let's dive into some key facts about his time as a player.

5. Drafted by the Rockies: In 1992, the Colorado Rockies selected Counsell in the 11th round of the MLB Draft.

6. MLB Debut: He made his Major League debut on September 17, 1995, with the Colorado Rockies.

7. World Series Hero: Counsell played a crucial role in the Florida Marlins' 1997 World Series victory, scoring the winning run in Game 7.

8. Diamondbacks Champion: He also won a World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, earning the MVP of the National League Championship Series.

9. Versatile Infielder: Known for his versatility, Counsell played second base, shortstop, and third base during his career.

10. Milwaukee Brewers: He spent a significant portion of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming a fan favorite.

11. Retirement: Counsell retired as a player in 2011, ending a 16-year career in Major League Baseball.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring as a player, Craig Counsell transitioned to coaching, where he continued to make an impact on the game.

12. Special Assistant: In 2012, he joined the Milwaukee Brewers' front office as a special assistant to the general manager.

13. Managerial Debut: Counsell was named the Brewers' manager on May 4, 2015, replacing Ron Roenicke.

14. Immediate Impact: Under his leadership, the Brewers saw immediate improvement, finishing the 2015 season with a better record than the previous year.

15. Playoff Appearances: He led the Brewers to multiple playoff appearances, including the National League Championship Series in 2018.

16. Manager of the Year: Counsell was a finalist for the National League Manager of the Year award multiple times.

Personal Life

Beyond baseball, Craig Counsell's personal life offers some interesting insights into the man behind the uniform.

17. Family Man: He is married to Michelle Counsell, and they have four children together.

18. Community Involvement: Counsell is actively involved in various charitable activities and community service initiatives in Milwaukee.

19. Hobbies: In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

20. Role Model: Known for his humility and work ethic, Counsell is considered a role model by many young players.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Craig Counsell that highlight his unique personality and career.

21. Unique Batting Stance: Counsell was known for his distinctive batting stance, which involved holding the bat high above his head.

22. Nickname: His teammates often called him "The Chicken" due to his quirky batting stance.

23. High School Hall of Fame: He was inducted into the Whitefish Bay High School Hall of Fame in 2014.

24. Notre Dame Hall of Fame: Counsell was also inducted into the University of Notre Dame's Athletic Hall of Fame.

25. Broadcasting: Before becoming a manager, he briefly worked as a radio broadcaster for the Brewers.

26. Mentorship: Counsell has mentored many young players, helping them develop their skills and navigate the challenges of professional baseball.

27. Historic Wins: He became the first manager in Brewers history to lead the team to consecutive playoff appearances.

28. Record Holder: Counsell holds the Brewers' record for most managerial wins in a single season.

29. Innovative Tactics: Known for his innovative strategies, he often employs unconventional tactics to gain an edge over opponents.

30. Respected Leader: Counsell is highly respected by players, coaches, and executives across Major League Baseball.

31. Contract Extensions: Due to his success, the Brewers have extended his contract multiple times, showing their confidence in his leadership.

32. Fan Favorite: Counsell's dedication and passion for the game have made him a beloved figure among Brewers fans.

33. Inspirational Speaker: He is often invited to speak at events, where he shares his experiences and insights on leadership and teamwork.

34. Legacy: Counsell's impact on the Brewers and Major League Baseball will be remembered for years to come.

35. Future Hall of Famer?: Many believe that his contributions to the game could one day earn him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Craig Counsell: A Legacy in Baseball

Craig Counsell's journey through baseball is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days as a player to his current role as a manager, he's shown dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. His unique batting stance, memorable World Series moments, and leadership qualities have left a lasting impact on fans and players alike. Counsell's ability to adapt and thrive in various roles within the sport highlights his versatility and passion. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just learning about him, Craig Counsell's story is a testament to hard work and perseverance. His contributions to baseball, both on and off the field, ensure that his legacy will be remembered for years to come. So next time you watch a game, keep an eye out for the man who’s made a significant mark on America's favorite pastime.