NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium · St. Louis
The St. Louis Cardinals are a Major League Baseball team in the National League Central division.
NL Central Rivalry
Cardinals–Brewers
The Suds Series of the Heartland
This rivalry pairs two beer-town franchises that first clashed on baseball's biggest stage and later became NL Central neighbors. It blends the nostalgia of a classic World Series with a modern, hard-edged divisional fight.
The Rivalry
The two clubs had never faced each other until the 1982 World Series, a matchup the media dubbed the "Suds Series" because St. Louis was home to Anheuser-Busch — then the Cardinals' owner — while Milwaukee was the home of Miller Brewing. That Fall Classic, won by St. Louis in seven games, contrasted Milwaukee's slugging "Harvey's Wallbangers" with the Cardinals' speed-and-defense "Whiteyball." The rivalry took on a permanent shape in 1998, when the Brewers switched leagues and joined the Cardinals in the NL Central. Through the late 2000s the two became regular contenders for the division, and tempers flared, setting the stage for a 2011 postseason rematch.
What's at Stake
As NL Central rivals, the Cardinals and Brewers meet often, and division titles and playoff berths routinely hinge on those games. The angle is regional: two proud Midwestern baseball cities, a manageable drive apart, with fan bases that travel well. St. Louis carries one of the sport's deepest championship traditions, while Milwaukee's resurgence has made the matchup a genuine annual fight.
Famous Moments
- 1982 — The Cardinals beat the Brewers 6-3 in Game 7 at Busch Stadium to win the World Series.
- 1982 — Milwaukee's Paul Molitor collected five hits in Game 1, and Robin Yount added two four-hit games.
- 2011 — Albert Pujols hit three home runs in Game 2 of the NLCS in a 12-3 Cardinals rout.
- 2011 — David Freese was named NLCS MVP after homering three times in the Game 6 clincher.
- 2011 — St. Louis won the NLCS 4-2 en route to a World Series title.
The Two Teams
Plan the Trip
A Cardinals-Brewers series rewards a Midwest road trip. Busch Stadium sits in downtown St. Louis with the Gateway Arch as a backdrop and a famously knowledgeable crowd, while Milwaukee's American Family Field offers a retractable roof, tailgating culture and the beloved Sausage Race. The cities are a comfortable drive apart, putting this beer-country rivalry on the bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cardinals–Brewers
The two teams first met in 1982. This rivalry pairs two beer-town franchises that first clashed on baseball's biggest stage and later became NL Central neighbors. It blends the nostalgia of a classic World Series with a modern, hard-edged divisional fight.
As NL Central rivals, the Cardinals and Brewers meet often, and division titles and playoff berths routinely hinge on those games. The angle is regional: two proud Midwestern baseball cities, a manageable drive apart, with fan bases that travel well. St. Louis carries one of the sport's deepest championship traditions, while Milwaukee's resurgence has made the matchup a genuine annual fight.
Yes — as NL Central division rivals they face off many times across the 2026 MLB season.
St. Louis Cardinals host at Busch Stadium in St. Louis; Milwaukee Brewers play at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
