While the Milwaukee Brewers are looking optimistic as they head into the All-Star Break, a crop of Brewers all-stars are getting set to take the field later this month. They’ll do so in commemoration of 25 years of American Family Field.

Rather than an “old-timers game” like some organizations put together, the Brew Crew alums will take part in the Alumni Home Run Derby, set for the Brewers/Miami Marlins game on Friday, July 25th. Ten former players will return to American Family Field to take their swings, with two teams captained by Ryan Braun and Carlos Gomez.

The field will also include a big list of stars that called the stadium home, including Keon Broxton, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo, Bill Hall, Corey Hart, Casey McGehee, Nyjer Morgan and Eric Thames. Former third base coach Ed Sedar and former catcher George Kottaras will serve as the pitcher and catcher for the event. 

“I hadn't taken batting practice in at least 3-4 years” said Braun. “Once we get through the soreness I think it'll get pretty competitive.”

“All the adrenaline, the motivation comes back.” said Gomez. “We're excited to put on a good show for the fans.”

In addition to the Home Run Derby, the event will also feature appearances from former players for autograph sessions throughout the game, as well as guest bartending in some cases, and maybe even a Sausage Race competitor or two. Then, after the game, the former players will take to the field for a Home Run Derby that will consist of a team and individual format. 

Right now, the format is similar to the All-Star Game’s Home Run Derby, but adjusted for players that have all been out of baseball for a few years. The current plan is for eight outs per batter or a two-minute time limit, whichever comes first. After that, each player will have a gold ball round, with three outs or 45 seconds. Gold ball home runs will count for triple points. 

“What we want to do is find the right fit to where it's interesting and fast paced, but not wearing guys out.” said Tyler Barnes, VP of communications for the Brewers. At the suggestion of the players, they’ll practice the format over the next couple of weeks and make modifications where need be.

In terms of the actual competition, though, Gomez and Braun were already eyeing up the field. The two will draft their teams at the beginning of the event, and there will be both a team and individual champion. Both already know some of the names they’ll be picking with priority.

“I would imagine Prince would be one of the favorites.” said Braun, citing a recent video of Fielder crushing a home run in a different derby. “Eric Thames can also get on a roll, too.”

That won’t stop the field from being competitive, though. Most of the players have already started to take swings and get their bodies ready for the Alumni Derby (or perhaps just avoid injury.)

“We all have a similar age,” said Gomez. “We're all around 39-44 years old, so it'll get kind of competitive.”

“The ball’s coming off the bat pretty well. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks it'll get back there” said Braun.

For those wondering, this will also be a legitimate Home Run Derby using the American Family Field dimensions. When asked about a shorter fence being rolled out for the alums, Braun noted that the idea was quickly and universally shut down.

 “That would be utterly embarrassing to us” said Braun. “We'd all rather get shut out than do a home run Derby with that setup.”

As for the trash talk? That’s already begun, too. When asked who the biggest trash talker in the field is, Braun didn’t hesitate.

“Probably me” said Braun with a smile.

“Everything’s cool right now, but on the day of the event? You’re gonna hear guys talking out there” said Gomez. 

Tickets for the July 25th, 3:10 p.m. game with the Alumni Home Run Derby are going fast, but available via the Milwaukee Brewers website. Gates will open two hours before the first pitch, with autograph sessions starting before the game and continuing throughout the afternoon.