Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Apologizes for Viral 'Horse Shit' Remark

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy apologized for remarks he made to outfielder Jake Bauers immediately after winning the World Series. The comments, which criticized the New York Yankees, circulated widely online and prompted a public explanation from Murphy.

The incident occurred at Tropicana Field following the Brewers' 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5. Bauers, who caught the final out, presented the game ball to Murphy. During the celebration, Murphy told Bauers to remember when he was on the Yankees roster and that "you guys were all playing for yourself." The manager referred to the Yankees as "that horses, Yankees team." Video of the exchange went viral this week.

Murphy clarified his intent in an interview with the New York Post's "The Show" podcast, released Tuesday. He stated he did not realize he was "on a hot mic." The manager said he was not targeting the current 2026 Yankees specifically. Instead, he was referencing teams with large payrolls that sign many players but may lack the collective drive of a "Little Engine that Could." He described the Yankees as an "iconic machine" with high expectations.

Murphy contacted Yankees general manager Brian Cashman immediately after hearing the comments had been released. He described their conversation as "good." The manager expressed regret for the phrasing, saying, "I regret saying it." He added, "It wasn't smart on my part, and I'm sorry about it."

Murphy explained that the tone of his comments to Bauers was consistent with their interactions throughout the postseason. He noted that after each celebration, he would joke that Bauers was going to become rich and leave the team. "You're going to be a rich f, er," Murphy recalled telling Bauers, who is set to become a free agent this offseason. Murphy said he wanted Bauers to remember the team's winning ways before he departed.

Bauers had a breakout 2026 season, his third with Milwaukee after being traded from the Yankees in November 2023. He hit .266 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs. He also posted a .874 on-base plus slugging percentage. These were career bests in all four categories. His performance earned him the MVP award in the National League Championship Series, where he batted .286 with six RBIs in a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Prior to joining Milwaukee, Bauers played 84 games for New York in 2023. In that season, he batted .202 with 12 home runs and 95 strikeouts in 272 plate appearances. Murphy maintained that his comments were part of the "rhetoric" he used with players to keep them grounded during the championship run.