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Here’s where you can find Brewers-inspired public art in Milwaukee

✇Wisconsin Watch
By: Jonathan Aguilar ／ Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service ／ CatchLight Local
A collage of Milwaukee-themed murals includes a baseball player, Bob Uecker, a street vendor, and a baseball covered in handwritten messages.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

As the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Tampa Bay Rays in their first World Series in more than 40 years, tour Milwaukee to see how artists have celebrated the home team with public art.

“Wild Bill”

A colorful mural reading “Wild Ball” depicts an illustrated baseball player in a tan and blue uniform throwing a pitch, surrounded by swirling blue streaks.
“Wild Bill,” a mural by artists Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews, in Black Cat Alley on Milwaukee’s lower East Side. (Jonathan Aguilar / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service / CatchLight Local)
A close-up of a mural featuring a blue-and-gold circular emblem with stylized shapes, bordered by bright blue paint and black brushstrokes.
A Milwaukee Brewers logo detail inside the mural “Wild Bill” by artists Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews.
A colorful mural depicts an illustrated baseball player in a tan and blue uniform, with a large white baseball streaking across a pink background.
“Wild Bill,” a mural by artists Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews.

“Bob Uecker”

A mural depicts a white-haired person in a tan jacket and blue shirt beside a microphone, with the words “Bob Uecker” and “Mr. Baseball” below.
A mural of Bob Uecker, 731 N. Jackson St., painted by muralist Mauricio Ramirez.

Baseball sculptures

A large white baseball sculpture covered in handwritten messages and red arrow designs stands in a downtown garden beside a sign reading “Messages From the Community.”
A baseball sculpture covered in signatures and messages from Milwaukee Brewers fans sits in front of the Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
A close-up of a white baseball sculpture covered in handwritten messages, including “Go Brewers,” “Let’s go team” and “Go Crew,” with hearts and drawings.
A baseball sculpture covered in signatures and messages from Milwaukee Brewers fans sits in front of the Pfister Hotel.
A large white baseball sculpture covered in handwritten Brewers messages, including “Bring it home Crew,” and red check marks sits in a downtown garden.
A baseball sculpture covered in drawings and messages from Milwaukee Brewers fans sits in front of the Pfister Hotel.

“Hank Aaron” 

A large mural labeled “Hank Aaron” depicts a baseball player wearing number 44 on a brick building above a plaque commemorating the baseball player.
A mural of Hank Aaron by Milwaukee artist Rosy Petri hangs on the outside of Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Drive.

“El Paletero” 

A blue mural with oversized yellow letters depicts a person pushing a white cooler labeled “Los Cerveceros” across a wall behind parked cars.
“El Paletero,” a mural painted by Michael Cerda, in 2024.
A mural on a blue wall depicts a person pushing a white cooler labeled “Los Cerveceros,” with oversized yellow lettering in the background.
“El Paletero,” a mural painted by Michael Cerda, on the side wall of Heavy Hitters Athletic Facility.
A blue mural with oversized yellow “Milwaukee” lettering depicts a person pushing a white cooler labeled “Los Cerveceros” behind a row of parked cars.
“El Paletero,” a mural painted by Michael Cerda, can be found at 415 S. 3rd St.

“Sam’s Rocks WI”

A person wearing a navy Milwaukee Brewers sweatshirt holds a painted stone decorated with the words “October” and a Brewers logo on a downtown sidewalk.
Michelle Gygax holds up a hand-painted rock, a part of her ongoing project titled Sam’s Rocks WI, on Oct. 21. Gygax leaves her hand-painted rocks at different locations in memory of her late father, Sam, who enjoyed sharing kind messages and words of encouragement. ( Jonathan Aguilar / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service / CatchLight Local)
A hand holds a painted white stone reading “Built for October” and “World Series,” decorated with the Milwaukee Brewers logo and blue and yellow dots.
Michelle Gygax holds up a hand-painted rock. Check out @samsrockswi on social media to find the latest rock drop locations.
A hand holds a painted stone decorated with the Milwaukee Brewers logo and the words “World Series,” “From a First” and “2026” in blue, yellow and black.
Michelle Gygax holds up a hand-painted rock. Gygax says her father was a lifelong Milwaukee Brewers fan, and she’ll be spreading special rocks in his honor the week leading up to the start of the World Series.
A hand holds a painted white stone reading “We have a bunch of gamers,” with a Brewers logo and the words “World Series 2026” in blue, yellow and black.
Michelle Gygax holds up a hand-painted rock. Check out @samsrockswi on social media to find the latest rock drop locations.
A hand places a painted stone among several others decorated with Milwaukee Brewers logos, baseball drawings and messages including “World Series 2026” on a mulched garden bed.
Michelle Gygax lays down a hand-painted rock, part of her ongoing project titled Sam’s Rocks WI, on Oct. 21.

“South Side en La Hora Mágica”

A colorful mural depicts illustrated people gathered around a cart labeled “Paleteria Yayo,” with Brewers-themed clothing and a pink, purple and yellow background.
“South Side en La Hora Mágica,” a mural painted by Aisha Valentín and Whitney Salgado, at 1727 W. Lincoln Ave., in partnership with Luna Creative Collaborations.
A colorful mural depicts illustrated people leaning over a cart, including a person in a pink shirt labeled “Paleteria Yayo” and another wearing a Brewers-logo cap.
“South Side en La Hora Mágica,” a mural painted by Aisha Valentín and Whitney Salgado.
A mural on a pink and yellow brick wall reads “In loving memory of Reynaldo Mexicano Jr.” beside purple floral artwork and artist signatures.
A dedication to the late Milwaukee artist Reynaldo Mexicano Jr., originally selected to paint the mural, “South Side en La Hora Mágica.”

The Valley Passage Mural

A colorful mural depicts a baseball player wearing number 44 swinging a bat, with a stadium, train, flaming torch and bird in the background.
The Valley Passage Mural, painted by Chad Brady, illustrates the walls leading to the Hank Aaron State Trail.
A mural depicts a baseball player wearing number 44 swinging a bat, with a stadium, torch, bird and baseball imagery against a blue background, partly obscured by plants.
A person bikes past the Valley Passage Mural, which leads to the Hank Aaron State Trail.
A person wearing a blue and green jacket rides a bicycle past a colorful mural depicting a baseball player wearing number 44 beside a pedestrian underpass.
The Valley Passage Mural, painted by Chad Brady, features icon and baseball legend Hank Aaron.

“The Launch”

A dark blue mural features the word “Wisconsin” in large white script, with illustrated baseball gloves and a baseball as sunlight shines across the wall.
“The Launch,” a mural painted by Michael Cerda, at 6325 W. National Ave. in West Allis on Oct. 21.

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

Here’s where you can find Brewers-inspired public art in Milwaukee is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Fifty years after his final home run, Milwaukee honors Hank Aaron with new mural

✇Wisconsin Watch
By: Jake Dale ／ Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and Jonathan Aguilar ／ Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service ／ CatchLight Local
People stand beneath a mural on a brick wall outdoors as gold confetti falls. Mascots flank the group, and a plaque below the mural reads "Hank Aaron," with trees in the background.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Monday afternoon brought the Milwaukee community together to honor late baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

The day’s festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new mural featuring Aaron and a proclamation from Mayor Cavalier Johnson recognizing July 20, 2026, as Henry Lewis “Hank” Aaron Day.

A mural labeled "HANK AARON" depicts the back of a baseball player wearing jersey number 44 and holding a bat against a black-and-white patterned background.
A mural of Hank Aaron by Milwaukee artist Rosy Petri hangs on the outside of Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, during a ceremony honoring baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.
Wrapped cookies decorated with white icing and the number "44" in blue are arranged in rows.
Cookies with the number 44 on them in honor of baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

Hammerin’ Hank’s history

Aaron, who died on Jan. 22, 2021, spent the first 12 years of his career playing for the Milwaukee Braves, before the team moved to Atlanta.

His love for Milwaukee brought him back to the city to play his last two professional seasons for the Brewers.

“I knew how much he loved this place, this community and these people,” said his wife, Billye Aaron.

Billye Aaron continued to appreciate all that Milwaukee had done for Hank.

“Thank you to each of you for the love that you showed him and for the legend that you continue on his behalf,” she said.

A person stands at a podium with a microphone. A framed baseball jersey reading "Brewers" with the number "44" is next to the podium.
Billye Aaron, widow of Henry “Hank” Aaron, talks about her late husband.

It was in Milwaukee 50 years to the date when Aaron hit the 755th and last home run of his career. At the time it was the most ever hit by a player.

Aaron’s 755 home runs are still the second most hit by a player all-time in Major League Baseball. Brian Anderson, the voice of the Brewers, said Aaron is still the all-time home run king. His monstrous home runs earned him the nickname of “Hammerin’ Hank.”

Two people sit beside each other with other people out of focus in the background.
Bud Selig, former commissioner of Major League Baseball, talks with Billye Aaron, widow of Henry “Hank” Aaron.

For those who he impacted, his legend grew beyond just the name of baseball. 

“The number 755 represents much more than a milestone. It represents perseverance, excellence and strength in the face of adversity,” Anderson said.

People sit in rows facing a person standing at a podium with a yellow curtain behind the person. Several baseball-themed mascots stand along the back wall while some people hold cameras.
Attendees listen to Bud Selig, former baseball commissioner, during a ceremony honoring baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

City figures chime in

Politicians and other public leaders were also in attendance for Monday’s celebration and mural unveiling.

They underlined the importance of celebrating Hank Aaron as not only a baseball player but a Milwaukee icon.

A person in a blue suit speaks at a podium into a microphone. A large floral arrangement stands behind the podium.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson talks during a ceremony honoring baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.
A person speaks at a podium into a microphone. Baseball-themed mascots and a framed "Brewers" jersey with the number "44" stand in the background.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley speaks during a ceremony honoring baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

“His legacy reminds us that greatness isn’t measured only by records and awards, it’s measured by character, perseverance and service,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Those are the values that continue to define our community in Milwaukee.”

Johnson also touched on the vitality of Aaron’s Milwaukee presence.

“It’s a lasting tribute to a man whose story belongs in the hearts of people right here in neighborhoods like this,” he said.

A person holds a long wooden handle outdoors surrounded by people. Trees, cameras and a uniformed officer are visible in the background.
Henry “Hank” Aaron holds a shovel during a groundbreaking ceremony for a 24-acre park along the Hank Aaron State Trail in the Menomonee Valley in 2012. (Edgar Mendez / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service)

Bud Selig, former commissioner of Major League Baseball, also attended the ceremony. Selig, a friend of Aaron’s for over 60 years, was instrumental in returning baseball to Milwaukee after the Braves left for Atlanta in 1966.

“I will always be very grateful. He was the greatest player of our generation and maybe the greatest human being of our generation,” said Selig.

A person speaks at a podium into a microphone. A framed "Brewers" jersey with the number "44" stands beside the podium as people sit in the foreground.
Bud Selig, former commissioner of Major League Baseball, talks about baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

Inspiring the future with art

The new mural of Aaron unveiled during the ceremony is completely textile fabric. Milwaukee artist Rosy Petri created the piece as a part of a series that celebrates African American cultural contributions through baseball. She interweaved traditional African patterns and used kente cloth. The version that hangs above the Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, is an installation version of Petri’s textile art.

A mural labeled "HANK AARON" depicting a baseball player wearing jersey number 44 covers the side of a brick building above a plaque and a sign reading "Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center."
A mural of Hank Aaron by Rosy Petri hangs on the outside of Clinton Rose Senior Center.

“I made it for myself, but I hoped that someday it would end up some place where people could see it, appreciate it and learn from it,” said Petri.

Now, it hangs high in Bronzeville – her own neighborhood.

People sit in rows. One person wearing glasses applauds while others look to the right.
Artist Rosy Petri applauds during a ceremony honoring baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron.

Throughout her creative process, she said she made sure to portray an aura that doesn’t normally attach itself to Aaron’s legacy.

“They talk about him as a humble man and very down to earth, but I wanted the piece to have some swagger to it,” Petri said.

That swagger plays out in the bold white and black color contrast and Aaron’s stance.

Petri hopes that kids playing baseball in the park across the way can see it and be inspired.

“They’ll know that there was somebody else that came before them and did the thing,” Petri said.

Despite the many years since Aaron crushed his last home run, his figure continues to live and inspire in Milwaukee and beyond. 

“When we celebrate icons like Hank Aaron, we’re not just looking back on history, we’re inspiring the next generation of leaders,” Crowley said. 

People stand and gather outside a brick building beneath a mural labeled "HANK AARON" depicting a baseball player wearing jersey number 44. Baseball-themed mascots stand beside the crowd.
Attendees view the new Hank Aaron mural.

Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.

Fifty years after his final home run, Milwaukee honors Hank Aaron with new mural is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

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