World Series Returns to Milwaukee as Historic Pfister Hotel Faces Longstanding Ghost Stories
For the first time in 44 years, Milwaukee is hosting the World Series, putting the spotlight on a historic downtown property where visiting Major League Baseball players have reported paranormal encounters, Fox News reported. On Friday, the Milwaukee Brewers open the Fall Classic against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, bringing renewed attention to the four-star Pfister Hotel, a preferred lodging for athletes, politicians, and celebrities that carries a reputation for being haunted.
Player Encounters and Electronic Disturbances at the Pfister Hotel
Opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister and his son, Charles, the luxury hotel cost nearly $1 million and featured first-of-their-kind innovations for its era, including electricity and individual room thermostats. In 2009, then-Minnesota Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez told The Associated Press that he heard voices and experienced strange electronic disturbances. Gomez recalled that his iPod began playing an eerie static tone immediately after he stepped out of the shower, prompting him to flee to the lobby without shoes or pants. Everything’s scary,
Gomez said, adding that the old pictures and paintings made for an unsettling environment. He noted that he later traveled to the hotel with a Bible for protection.
Clubhouse Managers Report Unsettling Incidents and Departures
Other players have taken more drastic measures to avoid the hotel’s reported spectral activity. Speaking to The Associated Press, then-Brewers visiting clubhouse manager Phil Rozewicz recounted an incident involving an unnamed rookie who woke up in the middle of the night to find his window and blinds wide open. After closing them, the player awoke the next morning to find them open again. [He] slept on the couch in the lobby the next night,
Rozewicz said, according to The Associated Press. Refused to go to his room. Finally went to a Motel 6 or whatever up the street and just stayed there.
Management Perspective on the Historic Milwaukee Property
Hotel management has historically offered a more benevolent explanation for the strange occurrences reported on the property. In 2009, then-general manager Joe Kurth told The Associated Press that some believe the building is haunted by Charles Pfister, who established the destination alongside his father more than a century ago. The ghost is described as a portly gentleman with a smile,
Kurth said, adding that the spirit is here to make sure that his brand of hospitality still exists within the hotel today.
Brewers and Rays Could Play Game 7 on Halloween
The Brewers and Rays face each other on Friday in Game 1 of the World Series, and the matchup carries potential for high-stakes drama as the series progresses. If the World Series goes the distance, the deciding Game 7 will be played in Milwaukee on Halloween night.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Milwaukee World Series Hotel
Why is the Pfister Hotel famous among MLB players?
The historic downtown Milwaukee hotel is renowned among visiting baseball players for longstanding ghost stories and reports of unexplained paranormal activity, such as moving window blinds and malfunctioning electronics. Outfielders like Carlos Gomez have publicly shared unsettling experiences from their stays at the property.
Who originally built the historic Milwaukee hotel?
The luxury property was opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister and his son, Charles, who invested nearly $1 million to create a lavish meeting place featuring early innovations like fireproofing and electricity throughout the building.
When could a deciding World Series game take place in Milwaukee?
If the series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays extends the distance, Game 7 is scheduled to be played in Milwaukee on Halloween night.
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