Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito's Role in Brewers' Last World Series Appearance
The Panthers' GM served as the Milwaukee Brewers' bat boy during their 1982 World Series run, a period Zito credits with influencing his career.
Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito holds a unique connection to the Milwaukee Brewers' recent journey to the World Series, a connection that predates his successful tenure building a hockey dynasty. Forty-four years ago, Zito was the Brewers' bat boy during their last appearance in the Fall Classic.
The Brewers secured their first pennant in 44 years by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. This victory brings them within four wins of their first World Series title in franchise history.
According to a report from the New York Post, Zito recounted how then-Brewers manager Harry Dalton took him under his wing during that 1982 season. "He was so kind to me and afforded me the opportunity. I could go up to his office whenever I wanted, I could learn scouting. He took the time to explain everything to me and always encouraged me to get into the management side," Zito said.
Zito's experience as bat boy is seen as a formative one, with the article suggesting that his championship pedigree, evidenced by the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025, might have roots in that early exposure to a championship team. The author humorously suggests the Brewers might consider bringing Zito back in an honorary capacity for the current series.