“It’s surreal to think the baby I once held is now in the World Series,” says Irene Yelich‑Stevens.
Key points
- Christian Yelich’s participation in the 2026 World Series has sparked pride across his extended La Porte family.
- The Brewers entered the series with a 3‑1 lead but have never captured a World Series title since moving from Seattle in 1970.
- Multiple generations of the Yelich family have been recognized in La Porte’s local sports Hall of Fame.
When the Milwaukee Brewers faced the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, La Porte County resident Irene Yelich‑Stevens stayed up past midnight, watching her nephew, Christian Yelich, chase a first championship for the franchise. The Brewers ultimately fell 4‑3 in 12 innings, a result that left Yelich‑Stevens joking about needing a cardiology appointment after the “nail‑biting” game.
Christian Yelich, now in his 14th major‑league season, has been a left fielder and designated hitter for Milwaukee since 2013. The 2018 National League MVP has amassed more than 200 home runs and 900 RBIs, and the Brewers entered the series holding a 3‑1 lead in the best‑of‑seven matchup, despite never having won a World Series since relocating from Seattle in 1970.
Family Roots in La Porte
The Yelich family’s ties to La Porte run deep. Irene’s brothers—Steve, Christian’s father, and Chris—are alumni of La Porte High School. Chris, a former UCLA offensive lineman, was inducted into the La Porte High School Hubner Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Chip Jones, a 1970s Hall of Fame baseball inductee, recalled meeting the Yelich siblings and expressed pride in Christian’s achievements.
Steve Yelich, a former high‑school basketball and track star who turned down college basketball scholarships to become an orthodontist, later built a career in pharmaceutical sales in Southern California. He remains close to his son, having funded private baseball lessons that Yelich‑Stevens says were crucial to Christian’s development.
Yelich’s Career Highlights
Irene, who retired after nearly four decades at Beacon Medical Group, said she still lives in Fish Lake, the community where she moved from Gary at age five. She reminisced about buying a toy barbecue grill for a toddler Christian, noting, “He giggled and laughed. He was just the sweetest little boy.” She continues to follow his career, including a photo taken with him at Wrigley Field during his MVP season.
Reader questions
What is Christian Yelich’s connection to La Porte, Indiana?
Christian’s aunt, Irene Yelich‑Stevens, and his father, Steve Yelich, grew up in La Porte; the family’s roots include several members who graduated from La Porte High School.
How did the Brewers perform in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series?
The Brewers lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 4‑3 in 12 innings, dropping the series to a 3‑2 lead for the Rays.
Has the Milwaukee Brewers ever won a World Series?
No. The franchise, which moved from Seattle in 1970, has not yet won a World Series title.
Source: hometownnewsnow.com