Haunted Hotel in Milwaukee Becomes World Series Storyline
The historic Pfister Hotel, known for ghost stories and reported player unease, is drawing attention as Milwaukee hosts the World Series.
For the first time in 44 years, Milwaukee is hosting the World Series, bringing focus to one hotel that some Major League Baseball players have reportedly refused to stay in: The Pfister Hotel.
As the Milwaukee Brewers prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series, the historic four-star hotel, a frequent lodging for celebrities and athletes, has a longstanding reputation for being haunted. Several MLB players have shared accounts of frightening and unexplained experiences during stays.
In 2009, then-Minnesota Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez recounted hearing voices and experiencing electronic disturbances at the hotel. He told The Associated Press that his iPod malfunctioned and played an "eerie static tone" after he showered, prompting him to flee his room. On a subsequent stay, Gomez reported bringing a Bible for protection.
"Everything's scary," Gomez said, describing the hotel's decor as "old, crazy stuff."
Phil Rozewicz, the Brewers' visiting clubhouse manager at the time, also shared an anecdote about an unnamed rookie player who refused to return to his room after repeatedly finding his window and blinds open in the morning, despite closing them at night. The player reportedly slept in the lobby couch and later moved to a different motel.
However, not all accounts of the hotel's alleged paranormal activity are perceived as malicious. Joe Kurth, the hotel's general manager in 2009, suggested that the hotel might be haunted by Charles Pfister, who, along with his father Guido, established the hotel in 1893. Kurth described the reported apparition as "a portly gentleman with a smile," who is believed to be ensuring the hotel upholds its hospitality standards.
The Pfister Hotel opened in 1893, built by Guido and Charles Pfister with the aim of creating a luxurious meeting place. According to the hotel's website, it was a lavish property for its time, featuring innovations such as fireproofing, electricity, and individual thermostat controls in every room.
If the World Series extends to a Game 7, the final game would fall on Halloween night in Milwaukee.