Cubs' Craig Counsell booed by Brewers fans in Milwaukee return - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was booed twice Monday afternoon in his return to Milwaukee after managing the Brewers for the previous nine seasons.

Counsell, 53, was booed during a short video montage, which ended with a picture of him in a Brewers uniform. It happened again after his name was announced during starting lineups.

«Cheer, boo… whatever, man,» Counsell said to a large contingent of media before the game. «Just have a good time at the game. That's what fans get to do.»

Counsell surprised the baseball world — and shocked Brewers fans — when the Wisconsin native left the only team he has ever managed for the Cubs this past winter, signing a five-year, $40 million contract.

Monday was his first day back at American Family Field since leaving.

«The view from the dugout is certainly different,» Counsell said. «This is going to be an interesting day.»

Counsell said he first began to have thoughts about moving on from the Brewers a couple years ago when his boss at the time, president of baseball operations David Stearns, stepped down. Stearns resurfaced with the New York Mets, where Counsell interviewed during the offseason.

«David Stearns leaving made me think about it a lot,» Counsell said. «I don't know how it couldn't. It happened over time.»

There were discussions about Counsell returning, but once his contract with Milwaukee ended last October, the Cubs came calling after David Ross was fired and a deal with Counsell was quickly reached.

«Life takes different turns,» Counsell said. «I don't want to plan out my life forever. I want to do things that challenge me, that excite me. You have to take the ride of life and see what happens. This is not something I necessarily expected to happen, but