Craig Counsell meme lights up social media, as Brewers fans don't hold back in posts of Cubs manager

Craig Counsell is in enemy territory now, if anyone needed reminding.

And while there apparently wasn't a lot of buzz on the field or the stands when the Milwaukee Brewers and Counsell's Chicago Cubs squared off this week in an early spring training game in Arizona, the internet more than made up for it.

A photo of Counsell raising his fist in the Cubs dugout — yes, seeing him in Chicago attire is still a very strange image — has blown up social media over the last day.

Some people's messages tied to the image aren't so appropriate for publication, while other descriptions to the image Brewers fans make play off in a more "mild" tone that Counsell is now the "heel" character in their minds and how he would celebrate these moments, including some past Brewers mistakes.

Counsell left the Brewers for the arch-nemisis Cubs during the offseason after nine years as the manager of his hometown club. In those nine years, he became the winningest manager in Brewers history, led the team to the playoffs in five seasons and won three NL Central Division championships.

But in a shocking move about a month after the Brewers were eliminated from the playoffs in a quick two-game sweep at the hands of the eventual NL champion Arizona Dimaondbacks, Counsell signed a record deal with the Cubs.

When he and the Cubs come to town for the first time May 27, there's no doubt Brewers fans will let Counsell know how they feel in person. But for now, here are some of the best reactions on X, formerly Twitter, to the Counsell meme, a trend that was started and continued by X user John Egan.

Craig Counsell memes reference past Brewers failures and the manager's decisions

You can't have a baseball meme without some baseball movie references, as Twitter user John Egan notes

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Milwaukee Brewers' advanced Class A affiliate, get in on the trend

Craig Counsell did just flee to one of the largest markets. Does that make him now 'Goliath,' with Milwaukee the 'David'?

Craig Counsell meme lends itself to other Wisconsin sports moments

John Egan had another reaction to the meme, but Hank the Dog is very much alive, we were last told

Craig Counsell meme can be used for non-sports references, including with Wisconsin's favorite foods

John Egan was back with another one. But could Craig Counsell really cheer against 'Rudy?'

Speaking of which, did you know new Brewers manager Pat Murphy has a large connection to the inspirational 1993 movie and very cool story?

What does Craig Counsell think of the meme? Here's another past Craig Counsell photo turned into a meme for the answer.

We know what Brewers fans think of the Craig Counsell memes

SCHEDULE: When you can watch, listen to Brewers spring training games

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meme of Cubs manager Craig Counsell by Brewers fans light up Twitter