Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy has issued an apology after making a public jab at the New York Yankees while the club celebrated its World Series triumph, conceding that his words about the organization were out of line.
Murphy’s remarks, aimed at former Yankees player Jake Bauers soon after Milwaukee clinched its first World Series title in franchise history in October, drew swift attention once they were captured on camera. The Brewers skipper subsequently reached out to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to clarify what he had intended to say.
Pat Murphy addresses controversial Yankees remarks
Amid the festivities, Murphy advised Bauers to keep in mind “this is the way we used to do it” once he eventually ended up playing for “that horseshit Yankees team, and you guys are all playing for yourselves.”
The exchange spread widely online, leading Murphy to rethink his wording. Appearing on the New York Post’s The Show podcast, according to ESPN, the Brewers skipper disclosed that he had gotten in touch with Cashman nearly right away after learning the conversation had been captured on recording.
“I tried to explain that I wasn’t talking about the 2026 Yankees,” Murphy said.
He made clear that his criticism was directed more broadly at wealthy clubs that spend large sums on acquiring players, rather than at New York’s present roster.
Brewers manager acknowledges regret over Yankees comments
Murphy stated that he had been alluding to organizations that sign numerous high-priced players but do not necessarily build the collective spirit he associated with Milwaukee’s championship squad.
“I was just referring to the teams with a lot of money that sign a lot of players that sometimes end up not being that ‘Little Engine that Could,’ so to speak,” he added.
Nevertheless, the Brewers skipper conceded that his remarks were ill-advised and did not try to justify the phrasing.
“I regret saying it,” Murphy admitted.
He also voiced worry that his words had unjustly tarnished the image of one of baseball’s most well-known franchises.
Jake Bauers’ free agency shaped the discussion
Murphy’s conversation with Bauers occurred at a notably important juncture for the 29-year-old power hitter, who had previously suited up for the Yankees in 2023.
The Brewers outfielder is anticipated to land a profitable deal in free agency after belting 26 home runs during the regular season and capturing NLCS MVP recognition.
Murphy explained that he regarded their on-field conversation as a form of send-off, which was partly why he wanted to emphasize the team’s approach and unity.
“I felt horribly if I slandered the Yankees, because I was just kind of referring to them as this iconic machine,” he said.
The Milwaukee skipper acknowledged that his choice of words was an error and issued a straightforward apology for the uproar.
“It wasn’t smart on my part, and I’m sorry about it,” Murphy concluded.