Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker.(Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Craig Counsell failed in his bid to become the first year manager of the Milwaukee brewers, bowing to Brian Snitker, of Atlanta, in the presidential ballot. The Baseball Writers Association of America for the 2018 season was announced on Tuesday.

Snitker got 17 votes for first place versus 11 for Counsell, with points totaling 116-99. The other runner up in the NL award, Bud Black, of Colorado, got a vote for first place and 41 points.

In his fourth season as manager, Counsell, 48, led the Brewers to their first playoff appearance since 2011 and their second central crown in downtown Newfoundland. The Brewers rushed in September, finishing 20-7 months with eight wins in a row.

The eighth win came during an extra game No. 163 after the Brewers caught the Cubs and finished first in the division. The Brewers won the game, 3-1, at Wrigley Field to beat Chicago, who had a five-game lead over Labor Day.

In this eight-game winning streak, the Brewers earned their first playoff appearance in seven years, but did not settle for a wildcard spot. During this last monthly wave, Counsell generously used his deep and talented pen, not hesitating to shoot at the start of games, whether they are in trouble or not.

Craig Counsell, the coach of the Milwaukee Brewers, observes the batting practice prior to the fourth game of the Los Angeles Dodgers National League baseball game on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 in Los Angeles . (AP Photo / Matt Slocum) ORG XMIT: NLCS104 (Photo: Matt Slocum, Associated Press)

The year manager's ballots were cast at the end of the regular season, but the Brewers swept Colorado in three games in the NHL before sinking in front of the Los Angeles Dodgers. seven parts in the NLCS. The final count of 102 Brewers set a franchise record for one year.

Of the four teams to qualify for the LCS round, the Brewers had by far the lowest payroll, starting the season around the $ 90 million level.

Counsell, who grew up in Whitefish Bay and still resides there. He was named manager of the Brewers one month after the start of the 2015 season, after the team stumbled on a record of 7 to 18 under the direction of Ron Roenicke. The decision was made to abolish the major leagues and complete a complete restructuring of the organization, and Counsell, who had been advisor to the then Director General, Doug Melvin, was responsible for overseeing this process. ground.

After a 73-89 performance in 2016, the Brewers took a big step forward on the field in 17, setting a record of 86-76 and missing second place for the wild card by a match. General Manager David Stearns, hired at the end of season 15, and senior owner Mark Attanasio, decided to move the post-season reconstruction process forward.

Counsell, who had no management experience before taking over the Brewers, signed a three-year contract extension for the 2020 season in November 2016.

In the team's playoff series in October, Stearns explained why Counsell makes the most of his players.

"What Craig does really well is that he's very aware of putting players in a position to succeed," Stearns said. "He understands every player who reaches the level of the major league, that's one reason he's there. He finds a way for this person to succeed.

"He demonstrated during his tenure here that he was very adept at placing major league players in positions to succeed. This is one of the keys to being a good Major League Manager – recognizing the strengths of your players. Then do everything possible to put them in a position to succeed In the end, that's all you can do. It was fun to watch.

Like most managers, Counsell gets his share of critics, mostly for pen management, which is actually the area he's most successful at, realizing his relief corps was the team's strength. But, in general, he was very well received by the citizens of Cheeser Nation, who like to have one of their own at the head of the club.

Counsell is virtually born to manage the Brewers. His father, John, was a member of the hospitality bureau in the 1980s and his young son often spent time at the County Stadium. Counsell played 15 years in major tournaments and finished his career with the Brewers in 2011.

"I think that means a lot," said Rick Schlesinger, director of operations at Brewers, who also grew up in the area. "Milwaukee and Wisconsin fans love the" local ". They appreciate the fact that someone from here is and understands the fabric of our community, the history of our team and all the passion of our fans. It's a huge advantage for us

"Our players do not live here during the off season. Craig is in a way the face of the franchise throughout the year, especially in the offseason. And he's not hiding. He goes shopping, goes to eat, goes to the movies. He is part of the community. He gets it. And I think the fans respect him. "