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Cigarettes before the game? The Brewers’ strange ritual on their way to the World Series

Christian Yelich revealed the unusual tradition Milwaukee’s hitters shared during a season that ended with a championship after 57 years of waiting.

By DANA QUINTERO · MARCA

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 3:53 AM

Key Things to Know

Christian Yelich revealed Milwaukee Brewers hitters smoked pregame cigarettes in the batting cage as a superstition.
The hitters referred to the ritual as "rally heaters" during their championship run.
Milwaukee won the World Series 4-1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, ending a 57-year title drought.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Milwaukee Brewers captain Christian Yelich revealed an unusual pregame ritual shared by hitters during the team's championship run. Players lit cigarettes inside the batting cage, dubbing them "rally heaters" under the superstition that smoking them would help the team hit hard during games.

The ritual accompanied an 11-2 postseason run that ended Milwaukee's 57-year title drought. The Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1, swept the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0, and clinched the World Series with a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

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Cigarettes before the game? The Brewers’ strange ritual on their way to the World Series

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