Lori Nickel
Verified
Milwaukee @JournalSentinel Sports columnist; @620wtmj radio guest
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lori Nickel
Welcome to Milwaukee, but keep your small-town narrative to yourself | Lori Nickel
Instead of the feel-good story of the Milwaukee Brewers, the smallest market in baseball, we’re going to hear things like: This small-market World Series will have bad TV ratings. Milwaukee is not going to be able to keep its best talent. The deep-pocketed franchises will come for The Miz and Wild Bill Contreras – just like they did for Giannis.
Welcome to Milwaukee, but keep your small-town narrative to yourself | Lori Nickel
We anticipate negative national commentary about Milwaukee hosting a World Series due to its small-market status. Milwaukee has a unique local culture, including its landmarks, industries and resilient residents. We have a deep, multi-generational connection to the city and our baseball team. Milwaukee fans embrace their underdog identity and passionately support their team. I’m bracing myself for what’s coming.
How hard is it to make snap decisions, like on a 105-mph Miz pitch? Life-or-death pros explain
Comparing a baseball batter's split-second reaction to a 105-mph fastball with the quick decisions required in high-stress professions. First responders, pilots, and emergency room doctors share personal stories of making life-or-death decisions with limited time and information. Several professionals noted their background in sports helped prepare them for the high-pressure moments in their careers. We all know about the 105.5-mph Jacob Misiorowski fastball.
How hard is it to make snap decisions, like on a 105-mph Miz pitch? Life-or-death pros explain Original
We all know about the 105.5-mph Jacob Misiorowski fastball. But have you ever thought about the slugger on the other end of that Miz Blastoise? (You know, that Pokémon with the cannon on its back.) Popular Mechanics once said a batter has 0.35 seconds to react to an 105-mph heater before the pitch reaches him.
The reason Contreras and Chourio choose to do postgame interviews in Spanish | Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oct. 13, 2026, 3:06 p.m. CT Jacob Misiorowski got in a oh-(bleep) jam in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and catcher William Contreras met The Miz at the mound to get in his ear: Don’t forget who you are. You are the best player on this field. You can do this. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission.
The reason Contreras and Chourio choose to do postgame interviews in Spanish | Nickel
Oct. 13, 2026, 3:06 p.m. CT Jacob Misiorowski got in a oh-(bleep) jam in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and catcher William Contreras met The Miz at the mound to get in his ear: Don’t forget who you are. You are the best player on this field. You can do this. Garrett Mitchell called off Jackson Chourio for a fly ball against the Chicago Cubs, and Chourio was in his ear: Tag it! Fire to third and get the out.
The reason Contreras and Chourio choose to do postgame interviews in Spanish | Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oct. 13, 2026, 3:06 p.m. CT Jacob Misiorowski got in a oh-(bleep) jam in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and catcher William Contreras met The Miz at the mound to get in his ear: Don’t forget who you are. You are the best player on this field. You can do this. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission.
Brewers William Contreras, Jackson Chourio speak English on field, Spanish in interviews
William Contreras and Jackson Chourio speak English on field, but translator Daniel de Mondesert explains why they prefer to use Spanish in interviews.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has deep respect for Pat Murphy, Brewers
Sometimes, Dave Roberts likes to mess with Pat Murphy a little bit. The Los Angeles Dodgers manager said he might, from his own dugout, keep an eye on Murphy in the Milwaukee Brewers dugout, see what he's doing – and mirror him. “I study and watch, and we'll kind of look at each other across the field when he's giving his numbers to the catchers,” Roberts said on Sunday, Oct.
Everything William Contreras said after the Game 2 win against Dodgers
Goodness, William “The Pitbull” Contreras, is there anything you can’t do?
Everything William Contreras said after the Game 2 win against Dodgers
Goodness, William “The Pitbull” Contreras, is there anything you can’t do?
Everything William Contreras said after the Game 2 win against Dodgers
Goodness, William “The Pitbull” Contreras, is there anything you can’t do? The Brewers catcher drove in runs that tied the score or gave Milwaukee the lead – in three different at-bats in the 7-4 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS. Unleashed a “watch this, L.A.” 436-foot homer to tie the game in the fifth inning. Crunched a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth, giving the Brewers the lead that stood. Played so solid behind the plate we might be taking it for granted.
Nickel: Brewers 'youngest' veteran, Jackson Chourio, is calm and cool before Game 1
Calm. Collected. This was Jackson Chourio earlier this afternoon, mere hours before Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday Oct. 11 at American Family Field. He may be 22 years old – "once I take the field, I forget about age" – but Chourio may be the Brewer who has benefitted the most from the 2025 Milwaukee playoff experience. Last year, the Brewers were swept by the Dodgers, but Chourio had some success at the plate.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts has deep respect for Pat Murphy and Brewers Original
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy share a mutual respect and playful on-field rivalry. Roberts praised the Brewers for their fundamental style of baseball, player development, and defensive skills. Pat Murphy, the 2024 and 2025 NL Manager of the Year, led the Brewers to 103 wins with a mid-range payroll. Sometimes, Dave Roberts likes to mess with Pat Murphy a little bit.
Jacob Misiorowski doesn't need to throw 105 to have a competitive outing | Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oct. 12, 2026, 12:43 a.m. CT Jacob Misiorowski pitched 4⅓ innings, giving up one earned run in the Brewers' Game 1 victory over the Dodgers. The Dodgers' strategy was to raise Misiorowski's pitch count, forcing him to throw 94 pitches. Manager Pat Murphy praised the 24-year-old pitcher for competing despite showing signs of fatigue. Just win today. That’s what manager Pat Murphy preached all year because he knew that’s all that would matter in October.
Jacob Misiorowski doesn't need to throw 105 to have a competitive outing | Nickel
That’s what manager Pat Murphy preached all year because he knew that’s all that would matter in October. It’s the best message to the young talent the Milwaukee Brewers would have to rely on to get to a World Series.
Nickel: Brewers "youngest" veteran, Jackson Chourio, is calm and cool before Game 1
Calm. Collected. This was Jackson Chourio earlier this afternoon, mere hours before Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday Oct. 11 at American Family Field. He may be 22 years old – "once I take the field, I forget about age" – but Chourio may be the Brewer who has benefitted the most from the 2025 Milwaukee playoff experience.
Inside the mental game behind the Brewers' success | Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oct. 11, 2026, 5:36 a.m. CT Hot take. It has to be more than physical talent. Jackson Chourio walked up to the plate and delivered a do-or-die two-run hit to win Game 2 of the NLDS just like we knew he would (because he's done it before). His team, the Milwaukee Brewers, have had seven walk-off wins this season. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Inside the mental game behind the Brewers' success | Nickel
Hot take. It has to be more than physical talent. Jackson Chourio walked up to the plate and delivered a do-or-die two-run hit to win Game 2 of the NLDS just like we knew he would (because he's done it before). His team, the Milwaukee Brewers, have had seven walk-off wins this season. And Milwaukee has 43 come-from-behind victories this year, including playoffs; six were in the ninth inning. The Brewers are the best team in baseball when it comes to winning even after the other team scores first.
Jacob Misiorowski before Game 1 of NLCS vs Dodgers
Yahoo Soccer is powered by OneFootball, the ultimate destination for news, live matches, scores, highlights, and more.
If we're going to talk Bucks, let's start with accountability | Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Updated Sept. 28, 2026, 9:16 p.m. CT The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a new era following the departure of franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Team leadership and veteran players are emphasizing a renewed focus on culture, professionalism, and accountability. New coach Taylor Jenkins has stated that holding everyone in the organization accountable is a "non-negotiable." “It’s an awesome transition,” said GM Jon Horst on Monday, Sept. 28. Is it?
A look at the American Family Field Win Wall | Brewers behind the scenes
The Milwaukee Brewers commemorate each victory with a brick on the "Win Wall" near the manager's office inside American Family Field. The wall features a yellow brick sticker for every victory, an idea from former MVP Ryan Braun. Dan Larrea, who oversees team travel, created the wall to spruce up the clubhouse in 2018. After a win, the player of the game or a clubhouse staff member adds the sticker to the wall.
A look at the American Family Field Win Wall | Brewers behind the scenes
There’s one special place on planet Earth where the magnitude of the Milwaukee Brewers' 103 wins is illustrated in one long glance. Situated deep inside American Family Field, the Win Wall is located outside manager Pat Murphy’s office. Brewers players and the coaches see the wall every time they leave their clubhouse lockers and head out to the field and dugout.
Flag with state's cities travels with team | Brewers behind the scenes
The Milwaukee Brewers travel with a flag featuring the team logo and the names of every city in Wisconsin. This flag is a replica of a mural inside American Family Field's home clubhouse. The team's vice president of team travel, Dan Larrea, aims to connect the players with the city and state fan base. When the Milwaukee Brewers hit the road, they always take a piece of Wisconsin with them.
Flag with state's cities travels with team | Brewers behind the scenes
When the Milwaukee Brewers hit the road, they always take a piece of Wisconsin with them. It's the care and creative direction of Dan Larrea, who aims to keep the clubhouse connected to the fan base with decorations and aesthetics.
Pat Murphy: There's one way to play; play to win
Even with home field advantage clinched, and a franchise record 100 victories, the Brewers skipper is keeping the focus on winning in Milwaukee's regular season final homestand this weekend.
Packers rookie lineman Jager Burton talks about his approach this week
Rookie Jager Burton talks about Green Bay's approach this week at work, from the offensive line and Jordan Love.
Packers rookie Jager Burton still learning, even from sidelines | Lori Nickel
GREEN BAY − For the first time in years, offensive lineman Jager Burton didn’t start in a game. It was weird − getting ready, suiting up, running onto to the field and then just observing.
Packers rookie Jager Burton still learning, even from sidelines | Lori Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Updated Sept. 17, 2026, 11:12 a.m. CT Packers rookie Jager Burton observed his first NFL game from the sideline after consistently starting in college. Burton used the experience to mentally prepare by making calls in his head and studying the opponent's strategy. He noted differences between the NFL and college, such as sideline technology and the Vikings' aggressive blitzing style.
Inside the mind of Packers rookie Chris McClellan after roughing penalty | Lori Nickel
GREEN BAY − If the Green Bay Packers submitted an inquiry to the NFL over the questionable roughing-the-passer penalty called against Chris McClellan in their Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the rookie defensive tackle was unaware as of three days later. But the thoughtful third-round draft pick knew these three things:
Inside the mind of Packers rookie Chris McClellan after roughing penalty | Lori Nickel
A questionable roughing-the-passer penalty was called on Packers rookie Chris McClellan in the Week 1 loss to the Vikings. McClellan reviewed the play and believes he did everything right but accepts the call and is focused on improving. He plans to adjust his tackling technique by trying to land to the side of the quarterback.
Brewers’ Brice Turang puts bowling hobby on hold: Cost ‘is insane’ | Lori Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Updated Sept. 16, 2026, 7:50 a.m. CT Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang is a skilled bowler, a hobby he picked up from his grandfather. While he has scored in the 200s, Turang says he is only good compared to an average person, not a professional.
Brewers’ Brice Turang puts bowling hobby on hold: Cost ‘is insane’ | Lori Nickel
Sept. 16, 2026, 5:25 a.m. CT Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang is a skilled bowler, a hobby he picked up from his grandfather. While he has scored in the 200s, Turang says he is only good compared to an average person, not a professional.
Brewers’ Brice Turang puts bowling hobby on hold: Cost ‘is insane’ | Lori Nickel
You probably have something in common with an elite Major League Baseball player if you agree with this: Twenty bucks for one game of bowling “is insane.”
Brewers’ Brice Turang talks about bowling, one of his off-field hobbies
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang talks about one of his favorite off-field hobbies, bowling. His grandfather got him into the sport.
Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell talks baseball with his softball-star wife | Lori Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sept. 15, 2026, 5:31 a.m. CT “You just need to hit the fastball at the top of the zone.” − Haley Cruse Mitchell Garrett Mitchell is a rising star with the Milwaukee Brewers. With his stunning throws from the outfield to third base, his gritty defense and great attitude toward teamwork, Mitchell is emerging as a key figure in Milwaukee’s stunning best-in-baseball record. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission.
Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell talks baseball with his softball-star wife | Lori Nickel
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Updated Sept. 15, 2026, 8:52 a.m. CT “You just need to hit the fastball at the top of the zone.” − Haley Cruse Mitchell Garrett Mitchell is a rising star with the Milwaukee Brewers. With his stunning throws from the outfield to third base, his gritty defense and great attitude toward teamwork, Mitchell is emerging as a key figure in Milwaukee’s stunning best-in-baseball record. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission.
Brewers’ Garrett Mitchell talks baseball with his softball-star wife | Lori Nickel Original
Lori Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Updated Sept. 15, 2026, 8:52 a.m. CT Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell credits his wife, Haley Cruse Mitchell, for career-changing advice. Haley, a former college softball star, told Garrett to focus on hitting the fastball at the top of the zone. The couple, both former center fielders, often discuss the mental and physical demands of their sports.
Garrett Mitchell talks about his best confidant: ex-pro softball player wife, Haley
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell says he can always talk about the game with softball player wife, Haley.
Brewers' rising star talks sport with softball-star wife
“You just need to hit the fastball at the top of the zone.” − Haley Cruse Mitchell kAmv2CC6EE |:E496== :D 2 C:D:?8 DE2C H:E9 E96 |:=H2F<66 qC6H6CD]k^Am kAm(:E9 9:D DEF??:?8 E9C@HD 7C@> E96 @FE7:6=5 E@ E9:C5 32D6[ 9:D 8C:EEJ 5676?D6 2?5 8C62E 2EE:EF56 E@H2C5 E62>H@C<[ |:E496== :D 6>6C8:?8 2D 2 <6J 7:8FC6 :? |:=H2F<66’D DEF??:?8 36DE\:?\32D632== C64@C5]k^Am kAmqFE :? @C56C E@ 86E E@ E9:D 2H6D@>6 2?5 C6H2C5:?8 DE286 @7 9:D 42C66C :?
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Lori
Contact Lori, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack