It's a sad day for the Milwaukee Brewers organization, which announced today that longtime groundskeeper Gary Vanden Berg has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Members of the team and front office have been wearing blue bracelets with the phrase "believe in miracles" for much of the last year in support of Vanden Berg, who has been with the organization since 1981.

He's spent last 21 as the head groundskeeper and during his time with the Brewers, he and his crew were frequently recognized for their work at both County Stadium and Miller Park.

The Brewers will honor Vanden Berg throughout the rest of the postseason with a "GV" patch on their uniforms.

"Gary was one of the most loved individuals in this organization, and this is a tremendous loss for everyone connected to the Milwaukee Brewers,"  Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio said in a statement released by the team Tuesday evening. "Gary was one of the most dedicated and positive persons that we will ever know. We were fortunate to have Gary as a member of the Brewers family, and we all feel a tremendous sense of sadness today. Our prayers are with the VandenBerg family and all of those who loved him."

Vanden Berg is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lauri. The couple has two sons, John and Joel.

Services and memorial arrangements are pending.