Milwaukee County Stadium
The public ballpark that hosted the Braves' World Series victory and the Brewers' home for three decades.
Milwaukee County Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened in 1953. It served as the primary home for Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Braves from their arrival until 1965 and later hosted the Milwaukee Brewers from 1970 to 2000. Before its final season, it was also used by the Green Bay Packers for football games, alongside ice skating, religious services, concerts, and other large events. The facility was replaced by the adjacent Miller Park (now American Family Field) after its last season in 2000.
- Opened
- 1953
- Braves Era Ended
- 1965
- Location
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- World Series Won
- 1957
- Status
- Demolished
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Construction began in October 1950 on the defunct site of the Story Quarry, making it the first ballpark in the United States financed with public funds at a cost of $5.9 million. Although built to replace Borchert Field for minor league Brewers, the stadium opened in 1953 specifically for the Milwaukee Braves, who had just relocated from Boston. The team's first regular-season home game on April 14 saw Bill Bruton hit a dramatic 10th-inning home run against the St. Louis Cardinals to secure a 3–2 victory. In that inaugural season alone, the Braves set a National League attendance record of 1.8 million fans. The stadium hosted the 22nd All-Star Game on July 12, 1955, where Stan Musial hit a 12th-inning home run for a 6–5 National League win. It also witnessed back-to-back World Series in 1957 and 1958 against the New York Yankees; the Braves defeated the Yankees in seven games in 1957 but lost the series the following year.
In Their Own Story
On July 20, 1976, under the lights of County Stadium, Hank Aaron achieved a historic milestone. The veteran slugger, who had recently returned to Milwaukee after a trade with the Braves, stepped into the batter's box against California Angels right-hander Dick Drago in the 7th inning. With a solo shot, Aaron hit his final home run at the stadium, bringing his career total to 755 and establishing the all-time record he had first taken from Babe Ruth in 1974. The Brewers won that game 6–2. Earlier, on July 15, 1975, the stadium hosted its second All-Star Game with an attendance of 51,480, then the largest crowd in the venue's history. Notable moments also included the theft of gloves and uniforms from Kansas City Royals players before a game on June 12, 1977, forcing all but seven Royals to wear Milwaukee road uniforms for the contest.
Reader's Guide
The stadium featured symmetrical final dimensions and evolved significantly in capacity over its life. Opening with 28,111 permanent seats, it held up to 36,011 people initially. An expansion one year later raised seating to 43,394, and subsequent expansions pushed the baseball capacity to 53,192. The venue was not limited to baseball; local businessman Bud Selig brought the Chicago White Sox to play nine home games there in 1968, drawing 264,297 fans, and expanded this to 11 games in 1969. When the Seattle Pilots moved to Milwaukee in 1970 to become the Brewers, they initially had to rip the old insignia off uniforms due to the speed of the sale. The stadium also gave rise to the Sausage Race, where anthropomorphized sausages raced between the sixth and seventh innings. A chalet with a giant beer mug, originally located at right-center field and later moved to left, housed mascot Bernie Brewer until its removal.
Did You Know?
- It was the first ballpark in the United States financed with public funds.
- The minor league Brewers never played a game there, as the stadium opened just in time for the major league Braves.
- In 1968 and 1969, Chicago White Sox home games at County Stadium accounted for nearly one-third of the team's total attendance.
- Hank Aaron hit his 755th career home run at this stadium on July 20, 1976.
- The mascot Bernie Brewer's chalet is now stored at Lakefront Brewery and visible on tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Milwaukee County Stadium?
Milwaukee County Stadium, affectionately known as 'The County,' was the home ballpark for the Braves from 1953 to 1965 after the team moved from Boston. Located in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, this multi-purpose facility served as a temporary but historic base before the franchise eventually relocated to Atlanta.
What role did Milwaukee County Stadium play in baseball history?
The stadium hosted pivotal moments for the franchise, most notably serving as the site where the Braves defeated the New York Yankees to win the 1957 World Series. It functioned as a transitional home that allowed the team to establish a new identity in the Midwest before their southern migration.
How does the story of Milwaukee County Stadium end?
After the Braves departed for Atlanta following the 1965 season, the stadium continued to host other teams until it was ultimately demolished. Its physical structure no longer exists, leaving behind only memories and records of its time as a major league venue.
Why is Milwaukee County Stadium important to Braves fans?
It represents a unique era where the franchise won a championship title away from their original Boston roots or future Atlanta home. The stadium is celebrated for being the neighborhood park where legendary players like Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn achieved glory before moving south.
Where was Milwaukee County Stadium located?
The facility was situated on the East Side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specifically within the Menomonee Valley. This location made it a central gathering spot for local fans during the team's thirteen-year tenure in the city.
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