What to know about Craig Counsell, the longest-tenured Milwaukee Brewers manager
In a startling move, Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell on Monday decided he would be taking a new job as manager of the Chicago Cubs, signing a deal that will make him the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball.
Counsell, a Wisconsin native, will leave the Brewers after nearly a decade as manager. It's unclear for now who might replace him.
Here's a quick biography of Counsell:
When did Craig Counsell stop playing baseball?
Counsell retired as a player in 2011 after 16 seasons in the majors. During that time, he played for five teams, including the Brewers.
How long has Craig Counsell been with the Brewers?
Counsell managed the team for nine seasons. He has the most wins of any manager in franchise history, with 707 wins to go along with a .531 winning percentage.
Before being hired as manager, Counsell worked in the Brewers front office following his retirement as a player in 2011.
How old is Craig Counsell?
53 years old
What is Craig Counsell known for?
He scored the winning run for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. He was the MVP of the 2001 NLCS. He also had a very unique batting stance.
In 2018, he was second in the National League Manager of the Year voting, losing to Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker. He won his 500th game as a manager during the 2021 season when the Brewers beat the Cubs, 6-4, on Sept. 18.
How much is Craig Counsell's new contract?
Counsell is making more than $40 million over five years, according to The Athletic. This not only makes him the highest-paid manager in baseball, but is up there with the largest contracts ever given out to any manager in baseball history.
Has Counsell managed other teams?
No. The Cubs will be the second team Counsell has managed.
Where is Craig Counsell from?
He grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and still lives there. As a child, he was a fan of the Brewers. He played college baseball at Notre Dame.
Who is Counsell's family?
He is married to Michelle Counsell. They have four children: Jack, Brady, Finley and Rowan. He is the son of John and Jan Counsell. His father was the director of community relations and the speaker bureau for the Brewers from 1978 to 1988.
Craig Counsell was once named one of the smartest athletes in sports
Sporting News in 2010 chose Counsell as the 13th-smartest athlete in sports.
Other fun facts
Counsell tied the all-time record for consecutive at-bats without a base hit for a position player in 2011, going hitless over a streak of 45 at-bats as a bench player and spot starter. His at-bat music was Jimi Hendrix's version of "All Along the Watchtower."
His nickname is "Couns."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Craig Counsell's Wisconsin ties run deep. Here's a look at his life.
