One and done in Milwaukee

Sixty-eight years ago today, right-hander Lew Burdette shuts out the New York Yankees 5-0 in the deciding Game 7 of the 1957 World Series.

The victory before a Thursday afternoon crowd of 61,207 at Yankee Stadium is Burdette’s third in as many starts – all complete games – against New York as he is named the Series’ Most Valuable Player.

Naturally, the city of Milwaukee goes crazy as it celebrates a World Series championship, a title that comes in just the Braves’ fifth season in Wisconsin after their move there following 82 seasons in Boston.

Lew Burdette finishes off the Yankees in the 1957 World Series

The Braves meet the Yankees again in the 1958 World Series with New York winning that one in seven games.

No matter to the good fans of Milwaukee, because this playing for titles in October surely will be a recurring theme, especially with a lineup that includes future Hall of Famers in outfielder Hank Aaron, third baseman Eddie Matthews and pitcher Warren Spahn.

Only one problem: 1957 is as good as it gets in Milwaukee, which keeps the Braves only for a total of 13 seasons before the franchise moves again – this time to Atlanta in time for the 1966 season.

Four years after that move, Milwaukee gets another team as a car salesman-turned-owner named Allan – please, call me “Bud” – Selig puts together a group to bring the cash-strapped Seattle Pilots to Wisconsin on the eve of the 1970 season and rename them the Brewers.

Naturally, the city of Milwaukee rejoices over its new team.

Alas, for its fans, no championships follow as the Brewers now have gone more than 55 seasons without a Series title.

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