Craig Counsell Grieves the Loss of His Mother as His Inaugural Spring Training with the Chicago Cubs Commences
MESA, Ariz. — Embraces lingered, stories flowed among family members over the past fortnight, and tears, copious tears, were shed.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell bid his mother farewell once again, expressing his deep love for her. Jan Counsell, Craig’s mother, peacefully passed away last Thursday in Milwaukee at the age of 81.
Now, Counsell finds himself in a Cubs uniform for the first time, hoping that spring training will offer some solace amid the pain of the past two weeks. Jan Counsell had battled dementia for the last five years, and her health took a sudden downturn two weeks ago following a fall at her Milwaukee residence.
“It was a peaceful passing in the end,” Counsell shared with USA TODAY Sports. “You witness your parents living a certain way…It’s a blessing in a strange way. It’s tough on my dad after 56 years of marriage.
“It’s the circle of life, and I was fortunate to have my parents around for 80 years.”
Counsell, 53, reflects briefly, his eyes dry from tears, knowing he needed to be with his new team. His wife, Michelle, will bring his father, John, to Phoenix on Thursday. Their sons, Brady and Jack, will also be in town over the weekend, playing for their respective collegiate baseball teams at the University of Minnesota and Michigan.
“It feels good to be back, honestly,” Counsell remarked. “It was a tough period. I lost focus on the job for a couple of weeks because I was caring for her.
“I was actually ready to think about something different, believe it or not, if that makes sense.
“I’m just glad to be working, I’ll say that.”
Counsell’s roots with the Brewers run deep, from his childhood in Whitefish Bay, Wis., to his 16-year playing career, which included 700 games with the Brewers. He then transitioned to the team’s front office in 2012 before becoming their manager in 2016, leading them to five postseason appearances in six years.
The man was a thorn in the Cubs’ side, with his Brewers teams posting a 46-34 record against the Cubs after 2019, despite having a smaller payroll.
Counsell entered free agency on Nov. 1, sparking a bidding war among teams like the New York Mets, Cleveland Guardians, and Houston Astros. However, the opportunity to manage close to home, just 90 minutes away from Wrigley Field, and lead an iconic franchise with significant resources, was an offer he couldn’t refuse. The Cubs pursued him aggressively and signed him to a record-breaking five-year, $40 million contract, the largest given to a manager in baseball history, displacing former manager David Ross.
“I believe in the work I did there,” Counsell expressed. “It just didn’t pan out. It was time for something new. It’s all good.”
The baseball world was taken aback, while the Brewers’ fanbase expressed discontent, vandalizing the sign for Craig Counsell Park in Whitefish Bay.
“The first week wasn’t great, to be honest,” Counsell admitted. “But since then, everyone’s been really nice. I mean, I live there.
“They joke, saying, ‘We won’t cheer for you,’ but it’s all in good fun.
“I haven’t had any bad experiences since then. As time passes, things will settle down.”
The Brewers will host the Cubs for the first time on May 27-29 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Until then, Counsell and the Cubs are focused on reclaiming their dominance in the NL Central and perhaps securing another World Series title. They’re prepared to learn from Counsell’s insights and strategies that were so effective against them during his tenure with the Brewers.
“He knows the Cubs inside out,” Cubs reliever Mark Leiter noted. “They played us really, really well.
“I mean, our bullpen is pretty damn good, and the Brewers had our number. Maybe we can learn from him what they had on us.”
As the Cubs gear up for the new season, Counsell’s managerial experience and strategic acumen offer hope for a brighter future. Despite the changes and challenges ahead, the Cubs have rallied behind Counsell, embracing him as one of their own.
Counsell may still have a taste for bratwurst, cheese, and beer, but he’s embraced his role as a Cubbie with enthusiasm.
“It feels good, genuinely,” Counsell admitted. “I’m enjoying myself. Building new relationships, facing a massive challenge.
“That’s why I’m here.”
