Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy took a pointed shot at the New York Yankees during an emotional celebration with first baseman Jake Bauers following Milwaukee’s World Series victory.
The exchange, captured on camera as Bauers presented Murphy with the baseball from the final out, mixed affection for his player with a blunt criticism of the Yankees’ approach to team baseball.
Here’s the context behind Murphy’s Yankees comments and the message he appeared to be sending.
What Did Pat Murphy Say About the Yankees?
While embracing Bauers, Murphy spoke about the first baseman’s potential payday in free agency before imagining him joining the Yankees.
According to The Big Lead’s account of the exchange, Murphy referred to a “horse sh– Yankee team” and players “playing for yourselves,” before telling Bauers:
“Just remember this is the way we used to do it.”
The remark quickly drew attention because Murphy named the Yankees directly while celebrating his own team’s championship.
What Was the Context of the Comments?
The moment came during the Brewers’ postgame World Series celebration, when Bauers handed Murphy the ball used to record the final out.
Bauers is entering free agency, giving Murphy’s comments an additional layer: the manager was anticipating that his player could receive a lucrative offer to leave Milwaukee.
As Heavy reported, Murphy’s remarks connected Bauers’ earning potential with a jab at the Yankees’ style of baseball.
The exchange was a personal conversation caught on camera, rather than a formal statement explaining Murphy’s views on New York.
Why Was Jake Bauers Part of the Exchange?
Bauers previously played for the Yankees in 2023 before joining the Brewers, making New York a familiar reference point for both the player and anyone watching the clip.
His approaching free agency also helps explain Murphy’s forward-looking language. The manager appeared to be imagining Bauers moving to a wealthy club and reminding him of the bond he had built in Milwaukee.
That does not establish that Bauers will sign with the Yankees. Murphy’s comments were a hypothetical reference to his player’s future.
What Did Murphy Mean?
The apparent message was that Bauers should remember Milwaukee’s collective approach wherever his career takes him.
Murphy’s wording suggested that he sees a difference between the Brewers’ team culture and the environment he associated with the Yankees. However, the brief clip does not explain which players, experiences or decisions informed that opinion.
It is best understood as a celebratory jab that also expressed attachment to Bauers and pride in the Brewers.
Why the Comments Drew Attention
A championship celebration usually centers on the winning team. Murphy’s decision to bring the Yankees into the conversation gave the exchange a second storyline.
For Brewers fans, the moment highlighted the relationship between their manager and a player facing a major career decision. For Yankees fans, it raised a familiar debate about whether talent and spending translate into a cohesive team.
The central point of Murphy’s message to Bauers was simple: enjoy the opportunities ahead, but remember what the Brewers accomplished together.