3Craig Counsell is at the top of the list of the most popular sports figures in Wisconsin this Millenium. A native of the state, just like his parents, he followed his outstanding Milwaukee Brewers playing career by becoming the most successful Brewers manager in four decades---guiding them to a huge playoff upset of the Chicago Cubs and within one game of their first World Series since 1982.

Counsell scored the winning run for the Marlins in the only World Series in their history and was NLCS MVP when the Arizona Diamondbacks won their first World Series in 2001. He and his Father were the only Father-Son Captains in Notre Dame sports annals.