Christian Yelich spent Monday doing something a little different than patrolling the outfield or driving in runs for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was behind the counter at Raising Cane’s in Greendale, serving chicken fingers as part of a celebratory “shift” following Milwaukee’s first World Series championship.
Fans were already camped out long before Yelich arrived. Some began lining up as early as 11 p.m. Sunday just to catch a glimpse of the Brewers star, who spent the morning serving meals, working the drive-thru and greeting people outside the restaurant.
When told how long some fans had waited, Yelich didn’t sound anything but appreciative.
"It’s kind of crazy," Yelich said when told how long fans had been waiting. "It’s an honor that people are excited about the team, excited that I’m here. We appreciate everyone that comes out."
Yelich even had a simple answer for his own Raising Cane’s order. His usual is the Box Combo, though the coleslaw is apparently a day-to-day decision.
The restaurant appearance came during a whirlwind stretch that has barely left him time to catch his breath. Yelich had traveled from Tampa, celebrated with fans at the championship parade and made an appearance on Saturday Night Live, all while trying to absorb what the Brewers had just done.
"I think it kind of still is [settling in]," Yelich said. "We’ve been bouncing around a lot the last few days. ...
I slept for the first time for a few hours, I think, yesterday. So, I feel a lot better going into today."
Even with the nonstop schedule, Yelich said he leaned into the experience rather than stressing over it, especially with SNL.
"I actually wasn’t that nervous for SNL, because I figured this is probably the only time I’m ever going to be here in my life," Yelich said. "So whether we nail it or bomb, it’s going to be a great story."
He said the point was to enjoy it.
"I was just taking it all in and enjoying the experience," Yelich said. "It’s a really cool opportunity to do SNL, and I got to share it with Brice and Murph."
The championship spotlight also made him think about how far Milwaukee’s run reached beyond the city and state.
"I think we forget how many people watch baseball," Yelich said. " Lorne talked about it, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, a lot of people talked about it and how much [they] enjoyed watching the World Series. It’s just a reminder of how big the game of baseball really is."
After days of celebration, Yelich is now looking ahead to a little rest and recovery.
"Just experiencing everything that comes with this," Yelich said. "Obviously rest up a little bit and get your body feeling a little bit better, which actually I feel pretty good right now. But yeah, it’s going to be an awesome offseason, and it’s cool that this team gets to stay together forever."
For Yelich, the title means more than a trophy. It also represents the group that pulled it off together.
"Every year is never the same team, right?" Yelich said. "So, just really excited that that group of guys will be around together forever."
Yelich has been with Milwaukee since 2018 and is under contract through the 2028 season, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. When he signed his extension in 2020, he laid out exactly what he wanted to do in Milwaukee.
"I just really enjoy playing in the city of Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin," Yelich said at the time. "The fan base embraced me from Day One.
For me, it’s just a really special place to play. Our goal here is to eventually bring a World Series to Milwaukee and to the Brewers’ organization."
Six years later, that goal is no longer a promise.
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