MILWAUKEE – Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers and Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs share a friendship that has endured for more than thirty years. The camaraderie is set to continue even though they now manage rival teams in the NL Central division.
Murphy, speaking before the Brewers fell 10-0 to the Cubs in their first matchup of the season, emphasized the resilience of true friendships. “Many of you have lifelong friends, people you’ve been connected with over the years,” Murphy noted. “Perhaps circumstances have altered your relationship, but with genuine friends, you don’t have to check in daily about every event. Craig and I will remain close. I have great respect and love for him and his family.”
Their professional paths have been intertwined for much of the past 35 years. Counsell transitioned from managing the Brewers to the Cubs in the aftermath of the 2023 season, while Murphy, who was integral to Counsell’s staff in Milwaukee, assumed the position of Brewers’ manager.
Their relationship began well before either achieved major league status. From 1989 to 1992, Counsell played for Notre Dame, where Murphy was his coach. Upon Counsell’s appointment as Brewers’ manager in 2015, he selected Murphy as his bench coach. Their professional collaboration meant daily interaction for nearly eight seasons. Now representing opposing teams, their conversations are naturally less frequent, and the nature of what they can share has evolved.
“We are competitors now rather than teammates, so during competitive phases, there’s a shift,” Counsell explained. “But outside of game situations, we remain friends.”
Despite their new professional roles as rivals, the friendship holds strong. Murphy stated, “While some may wish to see conflict arise between the Cubs and us, and perhaps some tension will surface, our friendship remains constant. I’m forever thankful for what he has meant in my life.”
Counsell’s departure from the Brewers opened doors for Murphy, allowing him to take on his first MLB manager role since leading San Diego on an interim basis in 2015. Murphy seized the opportunity, guiding the Brewers to claim a second consecutive NL Central title and earning acclaim as Milwaukee’s first NL Manager of the Year.
Counsell expressed genuine happiness for Murphy’s achievements. “I’m delighted for his accomplishments,” Counsell conveyed. “His victories don’t always favor me or my team, but his success remains a source of joy for me.”
Currently, Counsell’s Cubs have an edge in the standings. Their significant win on Friday secured their two-game lead over Cincinnati in the NL Central, while Milwaukee trails in third place, four games behind the Cubs.