Tearful fan, then standing O? Adames' walk year ends with love

MILWAUKEE – If you saw the clip that aired on Bally Sports Wisconsin, it looked like Brewers shortstop Willy Adames made a young fan’s day.

Turns out, it was the fan who made his day.

Adames had a prize in his locker after an emotional regular-season finale – and perhaps his final regular-season game in a Brewers uniform. The story started while he was out warming up for what became a 5-0 Brewers loss to the Mets at American Family Field. A girl in the stands caught Adames’ attention with the neon yellow softball she was holding in her hands.

Her name was Kennedy, and the ball was special because it was the first home run she’d hit over the fence. Since Adames hit 32 of those for the Brewers on the way to a career year as he heads toward free agency, it seemed natural to make a trade. Adames signed Kennedy’s jersey. Kennedy signed the softball.

While Adames went back to work, Kennedy broke down with emotion.

“We play for the fans, we play to make people feel like that,” Adames said. “I felt like that when I was a kid watching people on TV, so I can’t imagine what they feel when they hug us or are right next to us. It’s an amazing feeling.

“I felt that way two years ago when I met [Derek] Jeter, and I was, like, 27 years old! Where I come from, it’s a big thing when you meet your idol. It’s something that doesn’t have a price.”

Speaking of priceless, there was the ovation from 33,754 fans when Brewers manager Pat Murphy replaced Adames at shortstop in the seventh inning. Adames, who has been one of the Brewers’ most popular and productive players since he arrived via a trade with the Rays in May 2021, doffed his cap as he headed to the dugout.

He’ll be a free agent at season’s end, and looking at a big payday after slashing .251/.331/.462 this season, with a career high for homers, RBIs (112) and stolen bases (21). The only other shortstops since the RBI became a statistic in 1920 who have had 30 homers, 100 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in a season are Bobby Witt Jr. this season, Trevor Story in 2018 and Alex Rodriguez twice, in 1998 and ‘99.

And Adames did it while starting 161 of the Brewers’ 162 games. He’s the fourth player to start at least 161 games for the Brewers at a defensive position and only the second shortstop. Robin Yount was the other, as a 20-year-old in 1976.

“I did it as much for the fans as I did for Willy,” Murphy said. “They needed to recognize, this guy has been a rock for us. He’s been unbelievable. Chances are, that’s his last regular-season game in a Brewers uniform, and everybody knows that. I wanted him to feel that appreciation.”

What did it mean to Adames?

“It meant a lot, because all the work we’ve done over the last few years is appreciated,” Adames said. “When the fans show you so much love like that, it’s amazing. I have a lot of respect for everybody in this clubhouse, and for the fans, too. It’s special.

“I knew I was going to be taken out of the game, but I didn’t know it was going to be like that. It’s one of those moments that touches your heart.”

The good news is there are more moments to come. The Brewers open a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday.

“Now is the exciting time,” Adames said. “Now we have the fun part.”