Craig Counsell Park Sign Vandalized After Manager Defects From Brewers to Cubs

Chicago’s new manager got a profane sendoff in the town where he grew up.

It appears former Brewers manager Craig Counsell's move south to the Cubs hasn’t gone over well in the Badger State.

A sign at Craig Counsell Park in the village of Whitefish Bay, Wis., was vandalized with a profane message Monday after news broke that Chicago intended to hire the ex-Milwaukee skipper to replace former manager David Ross.

Counsell grew up and played high school baseball in Whitefish Bay, which is located eight miles north of Milwaukee; a park was dedicated in his name in the summer of 2012.

The longtime infielder played 16 years in the major leagues, including six in two stints with the Brewers—2004 and 2007-11. Counsell went on to manage Milwaukee from 2015-23, going 707-625 and leading the team to five playoff appearances.

The Brewers and Cubs enjoy a spirited rivalry dating back to Milwaukee’s switch from the American League to the National League after the 1997 season—one that undoubtedly will be supercharged by one of baseball’s most stunning managerial moves in recent memory.