Sverre Vinje, a 102-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, finally got his World Series Game 1 wish on October 23, sitting behind home plate at American Family Field. This wasn’t just any game, either. It was the Milwaukee Brewers battling the Tampa Bay Rays for the ultimate prize, and Vinje was there alongside fellow WWII hero, 98-year-old U.S. Army veteran Bill Wattleston. Talk about a view!
WWII Heroes Get Their World Series Moment
Vinje, a Minnesota native living in Rockford, Illinois, had actually hoped to work one more Brewers game in 2026, maybe bringing the house down with his iconic rendition of “God Bless America” like he did on September 11 and during Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. When Major League Baseball’s plans didn’t include his singing for the World Series, that had to sting a bit for the lifelong sports fan. But then came the surprise: lower-level tickets right behind home plate for Game 1. What a consolation prize, right? Wattleston, from Brown Deer, Wisconsin, remembered how stoked he was when Milwaukee got baseball back 56 years ago after losing the Braves. And now, he’s at Game 1 of the World Series! After soaking in some of the pregame festivities on his cellphone, Wattleston didn’t hesitate with his prediction: “They’re gonna win the World Series.” That’s the spirit, man.
Yelich Steps Up Big for the Brewers Community
These incredible vets were at the game thanks to Brewers captain Christian Yelich. This wasn’t some random act, either; Yelich, in conjunction with the Major League Players Association Players Trust, which is the union’s charitable arm, and with help from VetsRoll, an Illinois-based organization serving veterans, made it happen. Yelich was even recognized as the Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist for the month of August. He personally delivered the news to Vinje and Wattleston in a video, and his own mother was there to greet them when they arrived at the ballpark. That’s real class. Yelich, during a media session before the game, summed it up perfectly: “With the [Players Association] the opportunity came about, and I thought it would be awesome to give back to some amazing heroes that have been waiting a really long time for this moment to be able to come and enjoy the game and take in the atmosphere. I thought it was a really cool opportunity, and I’m glad it was able to be made possible.” It definitely was, Christian. The atmosphere was buzzing for all fans, too. We saw Dante Kriescher paying $25 just to get a printed souvenir ticket at the team’s window, causing lines and blocking the concourse near home plate, even though fans could print them at home for free. Janelle Wilson and her daughter Makayla were out grabbing souvenirs, too. It was a full-on World Series party.
The Brewers have a tough fight ahead in this World Series against the Rays. But with true heroes like Sverre Vinje and Bill Wattleston cheering them on, and their captain showing this kind of heart, you know they’ll be bringing everything they’ve got. Bill Wattleston already put it out there: “They’re gonna win the World Series.” Can they make good on that promise? We’re all watching to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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