Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-29**Lead**
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy has drawn attention for what appears to be a thinly veiled criticism of the New York Yankees, using the phrase “horses---” in a post-World Series exchange with a former player. The comment, which surfaced in the aftermath of the 2024 World Series, has sparked debate across baseball circles about the Brewers’ rivalry with the Yankees and Murphy’s outspoken personality.
**Context**
The incident occurred shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series title in five games over the Yankees, a series that saw New York’s high-priced lineup struggle against Dodgers pitching. According to multiple reports, Murphy was speaking with a former Brewers player—now a member of another organization—when he referenced the Yankees’ performance in dismissive terms. The exact wording of the remark has not been independently verified, but sources familiar with the conversation describe Murphy as saying something to the effect of “that’s horses--- baseball” in reference to the Yankees’ approach during the Fall Classic.
Murphy, 66, took over as Brewers manager in 2024 after serving as bench coach under Craig Counsell. Known for his fiery demeanor and deep ties to the game—he previously coached at Notre Dame and spent decades in the minor leagues—Murphy has never shied away from blunt assessments. The Brewers themselves were eliminated in the National League Wild Card round by the New York Mets, making Murphy’s comments about a team that reached the World Series particularly noteworthy.
The ex-player involved has not been publicly identified, but the conversation reportedly took place at a private gathering following the World Series finale. Neither Murphy nor the Brewers organization have issued an official statement, and attempts to reach the manager for comment were unsuccessful.
**Analise**
Murphy’s apparent jab at the Yankees carries weight beyond a simple offhand remark. It underscores a growing frustration among smaller-market teams like the Brewers with the financial disparity in Major League Baseball. The Yankees, with a payroll exceeding $300 million, were heavy favorites entering the postseason, yet their offense sputtered against the Dodgers’ pitching staff, hitting just .186 in the series. Murphy’s “horses---” characterization, if accurate, aligns with a broader narrative that money alone cannot guarantee October success.
For the Brewers, a franchise that has consistently outperformed its payroll under general manager Matt Arnold, Murphy’s comment may also serve as a rallying cry. Milwaukee has built its identity on pitching development, defensive versatility, and aggressive baserunning—a stark contrast to the Yankees’ power-heavy, strikeout-prone approach. By calling out the Yankees’ style, Murphy is implicitly defending the Brewers’ model and sending a message that his team’s brand of baseball is more sustainable.
However, the remark also carries risk. The Yankees are one of the most scrutinized organizations in sports, and any perceived slight from a manager of a non-contending team could invite backlash. New York’s front office, led by Brian Cashman, has historically been thin-skinned about external criticism. If Murphy’s words gain traction, it could add fuel to an already heated rivalry—though the two teams rarely meet outside of interleague play.
**Fontes**
This report is based on information from multiple sports media outlets, including accounts from individuals present at the post-World Series gathering. No direct quotes from Pat Murphy or the ex-player have been confirmed. The Brewers and Yankees have not commented. Additional context on the 2024 World Series and payroll data is drawn from publicly available MLB statistics and reports.