Craig Counsell talks Brewers-Cubs rivalry ahead of playoff series
Craig Counsell knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the Cubs-Brewers rivalry. The Cubs manager discusses what makes it “fun.”
W. John Counsell, a former Milwaukee Brewers employee and father of Craig Counsell, has died at age 83.John Counsell worked for the Brewers from 1979-87 as the director of the speaker’s bureau and community relations.His son, Craig, became the winningest manager in Brewers history before recently becoming the manager for the Chicago Cubs.
W. John Counsell, a former Milwaukee Brewers employee whose son, Craig, became the all-time winningest manager in franchise history, died Dec. 16 at age 83.
Born in Oconomowoc and growing up on Lac La Belle as a student at St. Jerome Parish School and Oconomowoc High School, John went on to play baseball at Notre Dame and later became an assistant baseball coach there.
His career in professional baseball included playing in the Minnesota Twins organization and, after his time at Notre Dame, working in the Milwaukee Brewers front office from 1979-87 as the director of the speaker’s bureau and then the director of community relations.
His son, Craig, hung around the team in that era, before following in his father’s footsteps at Notre Dame, where Craig played for his future Brewers bench coach and current Brewers manager Pat Murphy. Craig, who attended Whitefish Bay High School, later became a major leaguer who won two World Series rings and played two stints of baseball with his hometown Brewers.
In 2015, Craig became manager of the Brewers, a position he held through the 2023 season before becoming manager of the Chicago Cubs.
“I don’t know that you’ll ever, ever, in the history of the game find a manager who was in the clubhouse starting at age 8,” John Counsell said in 2022, shortly before Craig broke the Brewers franchise record for managerial victories. “Age 8 to 18 is when I worked there and those were the 10 years I brought him out, and he found his way down there almost right away. They put him to work, and the players liked him because he didn’t bug them. He didn’t ask for anything.
“Whatever they wanted, he would run and do it.”
John remained in the area and followed his son’s team closely, not to mention the sports careers of his six grandchildren. Craig’s sons, Brady and Jack, both starred for Whitefish Bay High School and both played NCAA Division I baseball. Jack won a state title, and Brady plays in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
John’s obituary pointed to his love of fishing on Lake Oconomowoc, playing cribbage with friends, attending basketball games, volunteering and cheering for Notre Dame.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Michael) Hughes and Craig (Michelle), as well as his six grandchildren: Brady, Jack, Finley, Hayden, Rowan, and Devyn. He’s also surived by siblings Mary Stump, Susie Sorenson, Ellen Swaine and Charlie Counsell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette, whom John married in 1967.
“Above all, John will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, his smile, his generosity, and the love he gave so freely,” the obituary included. “His presence filled a room, and his absence will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him.”
A celebration of life will take place Saturday, Jan. 10, starting with 9:30 a.m. visitation and a funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 4825 N Wildwood Ave, Whitefish Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in John’s name to St. Joan Antida High School.