We don’t want to jinx things by talking too loudly, but this might be the year for the Milwaukee Brewers. A proud franchise that hasn’t been to the World Series since 1982, the Brew Crew is putting together a remarkable season that some around MLB are thinking could end with a confetti-filled parade along North Water Street.
Outside of sluggers Willy Adames and William Contreras, a central reason for so much confidence inside American Family Field these days is the pitching of Devin Williams, a two-time all-star with one incredible changeup. Though the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year was out for months with stress fractures in his back, the St. Louis native triumphantly returned in late July and hasn’t missed a beat in the Brewers’ bullpen.
While Williams’ focus is squarely on striking out opponents, Forbes Travel Guide recently learned about some other things on the hurler’s mind, like great Milwaukee restaurants, must-haves in his travel bag and vacation spots he’d like to visit once the season ends — which, if Brewers fans have their way, won’t be until mid-November.
How far are these Brewers capable of going this year?
Honestly, I think once we’re back at full health, I think we could compete with anybody. Our pitching is still getting healthier. The same with our lineup. You saw what we did these past three days in Atlanta — and we didn’t even have [star outfielder] Christian Yelich. If we get everybody back healthy, we have a decent shot at this.
I think what’s been special about this year is just the team, the vibe that we have together, the close-knit clubhouse that we have. We’ve had good clubhouses in the past, but I feel like this one’s even a little more special because we have a good mesh of veterans and young guys. We’re all close. We all hold each other accountable. Other teams don’t have that. You start heading down the wrong path and it just spirals out of control on you. This whole year, we’ve had those blips happen and we’re able to correct it.
Do you get to explore cities when you’re on the road during the season?
It kind of depends. Like, if we have an off day, then I’ll definitely get out there and immerse myself in the city. But typically, I don’t usually leave the hotel too much unless it’s to go get food in the morning. Then I go back to the hotel and we’re off to the field.
Which MLB city do you like visiting for a good meal?
I always love going to Chicago. We typically play day games there because we’re playing the Cubs. So, we get a chance to get out in the city after the game and go explore some restaurants and things like that. That’s kind of different from what our usual schedule is.
But I definitely [enjoy visiting] New York, L.A., all the big cities and just try to have fun there while we can.
How is it when you go home to St. Louis?
No, I don’t really have a choice in that one because of my mom and my grandparents. I always have to go out to dinner with them. Breakfast is easier because we don’t really get done [playing] until like 10 at night, so most stuff would be closed. We’ll do breakfast before the game.
With 81 road games during the season, does all the packing and unpacking ever get draining?
Personally, I’ve never viewed it as stressful. I think the fact that we’re in a different city every three to four days kind of keeps everything fresh. It’s a different environment, a new environment. Everything just seems more interesting when you’re not seeing it day after day after day, you know? So, that’s never been an issue with me.
As far as packing goes, I’ll lay out my outfits before we leave. I already know what I’m going to wear before we even unpack in the next city.
What’s something that always travels with you?
An assortment of shoes. The most time-consuming thing that I do before I leave on a trip is picking out which shoes I want. I’ll always have my sunglasses, too, and some type of cologne. Lately, I’ve been wearing Chanel 1957.
The NBA feels like a fashion show. Things seem much more laid-back in MLB.
I would say in general, yeah, it’s way more casual. But that’s just people’s different personalities. But there’s definitely a couple guys that still like to throw on the [cool] fits. Like Willy — Willy’s always fresh. Freddy Peralta always got a good fit on. I try to come correct as well.
What makes the city of Milwaukee special in your eyes?
I feel like it’s kind of a bigger city, but it has a small-town feel. It’s just very laid-back here. It kind of has a calming presence.
If I were visiting the city for the first time, what would you do to give me a proper taste of Milwaukee?
There are some good restaurants. I’ll try to take you to a few of my favorites, like Carnevor or Dorsia. [The latter] is a good Italian spot. There’s some good mom-and-pop restaurants around here.
And then you gotta go by the lake, of course. Here on Lake Michigan, we got a little beach. You can go walk the trail along the lakefront. But I don’t really get out in the city that much.
I know you envision playing well into October and November, but do you already have some winter vacation plans mapped out?
I’ve thought about a few places, but I haven’t locked anything in yet. This offseason I was considering maybe South Africa or Japan. I haven’t decided yet. They’re very different, but I haven’t been to either of those continents yet.
I highly recommend both. Now, of the places you have been, where wouldn’t you mind going again?
I would say London, but that’s the easy answer. I’ve gone back there like four or five times now. Every time we go, we explore different pockets of the city. You can always find something new there because it’s such a big city. I’ve been infatuated with London ever since I was a kid. Growing up watching Premier League [soccer], that was just a place that I always wanted to go and experience what it was like to live there. I loved it so much the first time that I just keep going back.
