The Brewers have spent October chasing the first World Series title in franchise history, but one of the most lasting moments from their National League pennant celebration happened away from the clubhouse and far from the field.
Thirteen-year-old Samson Herman, a Brewers fan from the Minneapolis area who has cerebral palsy, traveled to Los Angeles with his father, David, to see Milwaukee clinch its first National League crown in 44 years at Dodger Stadium. His unfiltered happiness during a live television interview reached well beyond the ballpark, eventually bringing a World Series trip and an emotional response from one of his favorite players, Jacob Misiorowski.
A celebration that turned personal
-
On the Thursday night when Milwaukee secured the pennant, longtime FOX6 Milwaukee reporter Ted Perry was interviewing Brewers fans who had made the trip to Dodger Stadium.
-
David Herman asked Perry if he would speak with his son. Perry agreed, and cameraman Jake Salzbrunn came along to record the interview.
-
Samson, who has followed the Brewers his whole life, could barely contain his excitement about seeing his club reach the World Series. David held him upright during the interview, while Perry put an arm around him to help support him.
-
The exchange overwhelmed Perry. He later said he was struck by the joy of a young fan who cannot walk and will not get the chance to play the game, yet was thrilled for the players he considers his heroes.
-
Perry walked toward a photographers’ area after the interview and began crying. A Dodger Stadium usher noticed and brought him napkins. Before stepping away, Perry had told Samson, “You’re my guy.”
-
Salzbrunn was emotional behind the camera, too. Fans near him saw what was happening and handed him tissues while he continued filming.
-
The Herman family did not realize the interview had aired live until Salzbrunn returned and explained it. Their phones quickly began buzzing as the video spread online, including through Jomboy Media.
Baseball’s biggest stage awaits
Salzbrunn, a former player who now coaches a travel team, said the moment reminded him of the way baseball can connect people, particularly families raising children with disabilities.
“Baseball is a sport for everybody and brings people together,” Salzbrunn said. “The Brewers are just bringing everybody together. It’s amazing.”
The response did not stop with the video. Milwaukee-area business owners Joshua Meyer and Santiago Speranza were moved by Samson’s reaction and bought World Series Game 2 tickets for Samson and David. They will be in the building Saturday as Milwaukee takes the field in the Fall Classic.
Misiorowski sees the video
At World Series Media Day, Perry brought Samson’s story to Misiorowski, the Brewers’ hard-throwing right-hander and one of the boy’s favorite players alongside Jackson Chourio.
Perry asked whether Misiorowski takes time to consider what his work means to young supporters such as Samson. The pitcher had seen the clip, and the question left him searching for words.
“Yeah, I did see the video,” Misiorowski said. “It’s honestly incredible to have that kind of effect on people. I really don’t have words for it.”
Perry said seeing Misiorowski become emotional nearly got him again. Almost a week after the interview at Dodger Stadium, the reporter, cameraman and pitcher were all still carrying the feeling of it.
The Brewers are four wins from their first championship. Samson will get to watch them pursue it in person, with a memory already secured long before the first pitch of Game 2.
