Baseball Roots: How Matt Erickson Went from Appleton West to the Milwaukee Brewers explores the deep-rooted baseball history of Appleton, Wisconsin, through the eyes of one of its most successful homegrown athletes. In this presentation for the Appleton History Museum, Matt Erickson shares his journey from the youth diamonds of Kiwanis Park and Appleton West to the hallowed grounds of Wrigley Field and his eventual role on the Milwaukee Brewers coaching staff.

This video provides an intimate look at the evolution of baseball in our community, featuring rare stories about facing legendary pitcher Greg Maddux, the influence of his father’s coaching at Appleton West, and the unique path of playing for the MLB team he grew up rooting for. Whether you're a fan of the Timber Rattlers, a Brewers enthusiast, or a local history buff, this interview captures the heart of Wisconsin's sports heritage.

Filmed by Visual Imaging Solutions

Interviewed by Joseph Vanden Acker

Images provided by Matt Erickson & Family

Images at the Appleton History Museum provided by Jon Hagen.

Music: “Take Me Out to the Ball-Game,” by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, sung by Edward Meeker, 1908. Public Domain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MeekerBallGame.ogg 

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to check the Appleton History Museum’s calendar for upcoming presentations — they’re filled with fascinating stories and local history. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the next one!

Tip: For the ultimate viewing experience, select the gear at the bottom of the video and choose 2160p (4K) for the best quality.