Willy Adames was greeted with a nearly minute-long standing ovation from the Brewers’ home crowd at American Family Field as he prepared for his first at-bat since leaving Milwaukee during last offseason’s <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB free agency. The shortstop remains a fan favorite after spending three and a half seasons with the Brewers, even after signing with the San Francisco Giants in December.
Immediate Impact with Back-to-Back Homers
Despite the initial cheers, the tone shifted quickly when Adames launched the very first pitch he faced 419 feet into the second deck in left field, prompting boos from the home fans. He followed with a second home run in the eighth inning to the opposite field, sparking a late comeback attempt for the Giants. Adames’ powerful display highlighted both his enduring connection to Milwaukee and his significant role in the Giants’ offense.
Adames Reflects on Emotional and Mixed Crowd Reaction
Addressing the swift change in crowd sentiment, Adames lightheartedly told reporters,
“It was very emotional, I would say. They changed their mind really quick, though,”
—Willy Adames, shortstop. He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception before and after the boos, stating,
“It felt really good to see that they have that much love for me. They know that I have the same love back. It was really special to see it and feel it, and kind of embrace everything and soak it all in.”
Brewers Secure a Thrilling Walk-Off Victory
Despite Adames’ heroic pair of homers fueling a late Giants surge, the Milwaukee Brewers answered back with a walk-off home run by William Contreras in the ninth inning, sealing a 5-4 victory on Friday night. The win continued Milwaukee’s impressive streak as the hottest team in MLB since the All-Star break, while the Giants remain one of the coldest teams in the league over this stretch.
Adames on the Game and Team Effort
Reflecting on the result, Adames remained composed, saying,
“It’s just another day. It feels the same way that it’s been going on for us,”
—Willy Adames, shortstop. He acknowledged the Giants played better overall but noted Contreras capitalized on a key pitch. The sentiment underlines the Giants’ ongoing struggles despite individual moments of brilliance.
Manager Praises Adames’ Impact Amid Team Struggles
Giants manager Bob Melvin highlighted the significance of Adames’ performance, commenting,
“It was great … to get the reception he did and then hits first-pitch homer, I mean, that’s pretty cool stuff. And then he hit another homer to get us a little bit closer, and then we tie the game. Willy came in here, obviously looking to put together a good game, and he did.”
Melvin’s remarks recognize Adames’ influence amid the team’s larger effort.
Adames’ Season Performance and Role with the Giants
Following a franchise-record seven-year, $182 million contract, Adames’ 2025 season has been far from stellar. His .224 batting average and .722 OPS rank as the second-lowest marks in his eight-year career, reflecting broader challenges. Yet, the 29-year-old shortstop has quietly amassed 22 home runs, demonstrating his power potential and charismatic presence, both key reasons the Giants invested heavily in him.
Adames Embraces Both Cheers and Boos with Humor
Adames showed his lighthearted nature throughout the night, sharing,
“Even my second at-bat, when they started booing me, I was just laughing, because that’s how it is,”
—Willy Adames, shortstop. He added,
“I enjoyed it like the standing ovation. For me, it was the same. It felt good. I know it was all love.”
This attitude highlights the mutual respect between Adames and Milwaukee fans, despite their current rivalry.
Looking Ahead for Adames and the Giants
While the Giants’ playoff hopes for 2025 appear increasingly dim, Friday’s memorable evening could reignite Adames’ momentum for the season’s remainder and beyond. His two-homer display in Milwaukee underscored his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, offering a hopeful spark for San Francisco’s lineup as they continue to navigate a challenging year.