It's hard for even the most avid sports fans to keep track of a month's worth of stories. So, OnMilwaukee.com has decided to start doing it for you.
Each month, the Top 5 Sports Stories in Wisconsin are listed, along with some others to keep an eye on for the upcoming month. Here's the list for May:
1. Ryan Braun has a $45 million month. Braun completed his first full year in the big leagues on May 25 by putting up record numbers at the plate. After a slow start, Braun also is producing this season.
So, the Brewers rewarded Braun with a franchise-record contract extension worth $45 million over eight years. Braun actually might have left some money on the table by signing the long term deal, but he made it clear he wants to remain with Milwaukee and said he hoped some of his teammates also would sign similar contract extensions.
"It's a commitment I was ready to the make to the city of Milwaukee," Braun said. "The fans here have been unbelievable to me. I've really enjoyed playing here and I really believe in the direction that this organization is headed.
"I hope this starts a trend," he added. "It would be great if we could all play together for a while."
Braun also spoke out after the Brewers were swept by Boston. His play and willingness to speak up and show some leadership represented highlights in a month that otherwise had a lot of lowlights for the Brewers.
2. Packers start camp with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Of course, the Packers always make big news in Wisconsin, but spring camp is different this season without retired Brett Favre. Rodgers is the heir apparent so all eyes were on him when the Pack held spring camp.
The Packers also drafted two quarterbacks, but at this point Rodgers is the man who will take most of the snaps.
"It feels great," Rodgers told OnMilwaukee.com contributor Jason Wilde. "I've taken the No. 1 reps in practice throughout the least three years, but to know that I'm the guy going into the season is pretty exciting because I think the guys are starting to rally around me leadership style and the way I do things. I've been waiting for this experience and this opportunity my whole life, so it's pretty exciting."
3. Bucks continue transition. The Bucks continued the transition that started shortly after their dismal season ended by hiring assistant coaches. A couple, Kohler native Joe Wolf and former MU guard Jim Boylan, have ties to Wisconsin. Of course, so does head coach, Scott Skiles, who was a Bucks' draft pick and player.
The Bucks also got the eighth position in the NBA lottery draft.
4. Whitewater baseball gets to NCAA. The Whitewater Warhawks baseball team won the WIAC conference title, took the NCAA Division III regional tournament and came within one victory of the championship round of the Division III tourney in Grand Chute.
The Warhawks won it all two years ago, so were disappointed they didn't play in the title game, but a 42-10 record is nothing to be ashamed of.
5. Prep tournaments start. Most spring sports teams started their tournaments in May. Some completed theirs. Others will complete their state tournaments in June. Highlights always are the state track meet in La Crosse, which is being held this weekend, and the baseball tourney, set for June 10-12 at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.
Those spring prep sports tournaments aren't the only events to watch for in June. The Indy Car Series is at The Milwaukee Mile this weekend, and concludes Sunday.
The Brewers are home a lot more in June than they have been so far, highlighted by a border state series with the Twins June 13-15.
The NBA draft is June 26. Expect the Bucks to be active before picking.
You'll undoubtedly have some surprise stories happen too. Feel free to add your favorite stories of the month and project some for the next month using the Talkback feature at the end of this column.
