MADISON, Wis. — As the World Series approaches, the Wisconsin Historical Society is highlighting Milwaukee Brewers history it has preserved, including memorabilia from the team’s last World Series run and original Racing Sausages mascot costumes.
Laura Hemming, a librarian with the Wisconsin Historical Society, said Brewers fans have been reaching out as the team prepares to potentially make history.
“I’ve heard from so many people, spread around the world, literally, who have contacted me because they know I’m a Brewers fan and are saying things like, ‘Can you believe this? It’s been so long.’ ‘Do you remember when blah blah blah in 1982?’” Hemming said.
Hemming and Leo Landis, director of curatorial services at the Wisconsin Historical Society, are working with others to collect and preserve Brewers history. Landis said the historical society obtains items through purchases and donations.
Among the preserved items are jerseys worn by Jim Gantner, Robin Yount and Cecil Cooper, along with a baseball glove worn and signed by Paul Molitor.
The historical society also recently acquired the original mascot costumes for the Brewers’ Racing Sausages. The costumes debuted in 1993.
“Milwaukee really was the first major league organization to put together something like a race,” Landis said.
Landis said the costumes were well-used, and the historical society is working with partners in Minnesota to restore them. The goal is to have them ready for display when the new Wisconsin History Center opens in 2028.
“Putting out that innovation story all across the board is part of what we’re excited to share at the new Wisconsin History Center,” Landis said.
Hemming said preserving Brewers history matters because it remains part of many Wisconsinites’ memories.
“Thousands of Wisconsinites have, still today, have fond memories of the 1982 postseason, at least up to the very end of it,” Hemming said.