The Brewers paid tribute to Ed Miklavcic on Wednesday, April 16 by giving him the honor of throwing out the first pitch at American Family Field. Miklavcic has proudly served this country in World War II, and is recognized as a veteran and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. At the joyful age of 105, Miklavcic is among the oldest living survivors from the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a show of bravery, vivacity, and skill, he managed to give out a great first pitch at the game.
Miklavcic is a man whose long life is filled with awe-inspiring stories. His service and dedication to the country is something all Americans be inspired by and grateful for. He was originally born in Illinois in 1920, where he grew up in a house filled with twelve other siblings. In 1940, he was recruited to the military because of his status as a high school graduate. He joined the U.S. Army Airfares and was transported to California for training. After the end of World War II, he moved back to the midwest and met his wife in Milwaukee. Since then, he has built a loving family and filled his community with kindness and happiness for decades.
Ed’s courageous spirit and boisterous first pitch was the start to a great game for the Brewers. The team won 5-1 against the Detroit Tigers. The Brewers ended up winning the series against the Tigers, and it marked the Tigers first series loss of the season. The Brewers ended up clinching the game with three homers. One of those homers was hit by Sal Frelick, who dedicated his success to Miklavcic. Immediately after the hit, he went over to Ed to shake his hand and thank him. Christian Yelich, who also accounted for one of the homers, similarly gave apropos to Ed, calling him part of the “greatest generation”.
The scene at the ballpark was a testimony to the admiration that Brewers fans felt for Miklavcic. The entire stadium was on their feet in an uproarious bout of applause. The touching scene showed a genuine reciprocated love between Ed and his community. Ed is a strong Brewers fan and has been for a long time. After the game, the Brewers honored him even further with “a special flag from the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors”. He hopes to be around for his 106th birthday so that he can toss out another first pitch next year.
