Nyjer Morgan has built a pretty good case for a permanent October invitation in Milwaukee. The former Brewers sparkplug was back at American Family Field on Sunday, and Jackson Chourio’s ninth-inning single to center sent the club past the Padres in Game 2 of the 2026 NLDS.
It was another familiar picture for Morgan: a Brewers hitter driving a walk-off single into center field, teammates pouring from the dugout, and a ballpark coming loose at the seams. Morgan, watching from a suite after throwing a ceremonial first pitch with his two children, celebrated right along with the club.
A familiar October charm
- In Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS against Arizona, Morgan delivered Milwaukee’s first postseason walk-off hit, becoming one of the enduring figures from that Brewers run. His “Tony Plush” persona, along with variations such as “Tony Clutch,” became part of his short but memorable Milwaukee stay.
- Morgan returned to throw a ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the 2018 NLDS against Colorado. Mike Moustakas later ended that game with a single to center.
- He again took the mound for a pregame ceremonial pitch before Sunday’s Game 2 against San Diego. Chourio followed with the latest center-field walk-off single.
“I’m magical, baby!” Morgan said afterward.
Morgan had posted video before Sunday’s game while greeting Brewers players during warmups. He said he had exchanged a fist bump with Chourio before the young outfielder took the field, joking that some Plush energy had rubbed off on him.
Not every appearance has ended in celebration
The good-luck theory is not without a blemish. Morgan also threw out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of Milwaukee’s 2023 National League Wild Card Series against Arizona, when the Brewers needed a victory to keep their season alive.
Milwaukee trailed by three runs in the bottom of the ninth but brought the tying run to the plate. William Contreras struck out, ending the comeback bid and the Brewers’ season.
Contreras had a much different view on Sunday. After Sal Frelick crossed the plate with the winning run, Contreras sprawled on the grass behind home plate and hammered the turf in celebration as the Brewers mobbed one another.
The series now shifts to San Diego for Game 3 on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. CT and 6:30 p.m. PT, with FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One carrying the game.
