Honestly, who did you think would take the NLDS between the Cubs and Brewers? A majority would’ve leaned toward the Cubs. Their manager, Craig Counsell, even sounded confident before Game 5, saying, “We’re going to L.A. after Milwaukee. You have to be prepared to do it. That’s the plan.”

But it’s not done until it’s done… Baseball has a funny way of flipping the script. The Brewers pulled off the win and are the ones heading to Los Angeles, while the Cubs are packing it up for the offseason. So, given Counsell’s complicated history with Milwaukee, some fireworks were expected, and sure enough, the Brewers, under Pat Murphy, delivered a few of their own.

“The message is this. All year, nobody believed in you. And it was a belief system. It’s not your experience, not your bat speed, it’s not your exit velocity. It’s your commitment to winning. You guys have been incredible… I am so proud to even be part of this group… All year long, they called you average Joes. Today, you’re not the so freaking average Joe.” Murphy took out all the non-believers of the Brewers before being soaked in champagne.

Now, you know to whom he dedicated the message.

Murphy didn’t hold back when talking about how few people believed the Brewers would even make the postseason — let alone reach the NLCS. But as they keep defying expectations at every turn, the sense of satisfaction within the team just keeps growing. Knocking off some of the league’s powerhouses as underdogs is no small feat, and Murphy’s squad is showing exactly why they deserve every bit of credit coming their way.

And that wasn’t the end of it. After Murphy’s crew took care of business, the Brewers players had a little fun of their own. Reportedly, during their postgame celebration at American Family Field, they pulled off a hilarious troll job on the Cubs. While posing for team photos, one Brewer showed up waving a white-and-blue “L” flag!!

A playful nod to the Cubs’ tradition of flying a “W” flag after wins at Wrigley Field (and an “L” after losses). So, it was a cheeky way to twist the knife and make it clear just how personal this Cubs–Brewers rivalry has become.

The Brewers are on the verge of completing a remarkable transformation

Well, the NLDS win over the Cubs propels the Brewers into their fourth-ever League Championship appearance, and their third since joining the National League. If you remember, the last time they stood on this stage was back in 2018, facing none other than the Dodgers. But this time, it feels different. Why? Because after years of postseason heartache, the Brewers aren’t just hanging around, but writing a new chapter.

That started when they became the first team this year to secure the postseason berth last month.

So, for the Brewers, this season has been a true transformation, a journey from heartbreak to breakthrough. Seven long years since their last postseason series win, Milwaukee finally shattered the wall that’s blocked them in October’s past. And as they set their sights on Los Angeles once again, they know what awaits.

But for now, the city got to exhale, celebrate, and believe again. Who knows, a few more surprises are waiting for us this month…