Brewers star Christian Yelich shares heartfelt reason for bringing WWII vets to Game 1 of World Series appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Milwaukee Brewers captain Christian Yelich invited two World War II veterans to Game 1 of the 2026 World Series, giving them seats behind home plate at American Family Field on Friday.
The Brewers slugger’s guests were Sverre Vinje, a 102-year-old Navy veteran from Rockford, Illinois, and Bill Wattleton, a 98-year-old Army veteran from Brown Deer, Wisconsin.
Yelich is pursuing his first World Series ring to add to a resume that includes the 2018 NL MVP award, three All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger awards, two NL batting titles and a Gold Glove.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
He partnered with the Players Trust, the MLBPA’s charitable arm, and Illinois-based veterans organization VetsRoll to arrange their visit.
The MLBPA shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, documenting the invitation and experience at the ballpark. Before the opener, Yelich explained why he wanted the veterans to attend.
“I thought it would be awesome to give back to some amazing heroes that have been waiting a really long time for this moment, and to be able to come and enjoy the game and take in the atmosphere.’’
Christian Yelich personally invited 98- and 102-year-old WWII veterans Bill Wattleton and Sverre Vinje to Game 1 of the World Series. They were able to meet Christian’s mom Alecia, former Brewer All-Star Chris Capuano, and witness the Brewers win a World Series game in person.… pic.twitter.com/gnaUVThRtW
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) October 24, 2026
Yelich delivered the invitation through a video message. His mother, Alecia, greeted the veterans upon arrival, and they met former Brewers All-Star Chris Capuano, according to the MLBPA.
Vinje served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 and was present at the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
He sang “God Bless America” at Milwaukee’s September 11 game, when the Brewers clinched a playoff spot, and again before their National League Division Series opener against San Diego.
The Brewers initially asked Vinje to sing at Game 1, but the appearance was not included in MLB’s plans.
Wattleton, identified as a World War II and Korean War Army veteran, remembers Milwaukee welcoming the Brewers 56 years ago after the Braves left for Atlanta.
The Players Trust named Yelich its Most Valuable Philanthropist for August.
Both veterans watched Milwaukee get the 3-2 win, with Yelich tripling home the Brewers’ first run and scoring another as the team took a 1-0 series lead.
Related: World Series Game 1 between Brewers, Rays makes MLB history not seen since 2000
Related: Brewers’ Aaron Ashby reveals how he found his postseason groove in 2026