The Milwaukee Brewers announced Ralph and Shelly Stayer, owners of Johnsonville, LLC, have purchased a minority stake in the franchise.
“The Stayers’ relationship with the Milwaukee Brewers spans many years,” said Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio. “Whether it’s cheering on the Brew Crew as season ticket holders, sponsoring the team and its legendary Racing Sausages, offering their excellent Johnsonville sausage products to fans at American Family Field, or joining our efforts to give back to community causes, Ralph and Shelly are integrated into nearly every part of the Brewers family. We’re thrilled to welcome them to our ownership team, as well.”
The Stayers are Wisconsin natives.
“Baseball has been part of my life since I was a little girl,” said Shelly Stayer, Owner and Board Chair of Johnsonville. “In fact, I grew up near Eden, Wisconsin, and Brewers Legend Jim Gantner’s sisters were my teammates playing baseball.”
Ralph Stayer, 80, was born in Milwaukee. During the Great Depression, his father worked at Plankinton Packing but purchased a small butcher shop in Johnsonville. Ralph and Shelly Stayer have grown it into a global business.
“I can confirm that anything really is possible, including being a part of my hometown baseball team,” said Ralph Stayer. “Joining the Brewers’ ownership team is truly part of my ultimate American dream.”
Shelly, who now heads Johnsonville, negotiated the deal between the couple and Attanasio.
