NewsWPLG Local 10October 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Brewers manager jokes after flight to World Series Game 3 piloted by pitcher's relatives
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy made light of some turbulence during a team charter flight to Florida, joking that pitcher Quinn Priester's uncle and cousin — who served as the flight's captain and first officer — were throwing a "knuckleball." The flight brought the Brewers to St. Petersburg for World Series Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The commercial charter flight for the World Series was piloted by family members of a Brewers player, highlighting an unusual family connection during the team's postseason run.
Key Facts
- The Milwaukee Brewers charter flight to Florida for World Series Game 3 was piloted by GJ Priester (captain) and Alex Priester (first officer), who are the uncle and cousin of Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester.
- GJ Priester was hired by United Airlines in 1995 and comes from the family that founded Priester Aviation.
- The Brewers organized five charter flights to transport family members and employees to the games at Tropicana Field.
- The Milwaukee Brewers held a 2-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays going into Game 3.
- Quinn Priester missed the season due to right thoracic outlet syndrome, undergoing surgery on June 22 after eight minor league rehab appearances.
- Dwight Schmidt, father of Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt, similarly piloted family charter flights during the 2024 World Series.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationUnited Airlines“Airline operating the charter flight”PersonGregory Pearl“Doctor who performed surgery on Quinn Priester”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Major League Baseball team”PersonPat Murphy“Milwaukee Brewers manager”PersonAaron Ashby“Brewers relief pitcher”PersonClarke Schmidt“New York Yankees pitcher”OrganizationPriester Aviation“Charter flight company founded by the Priester family”locationFlorida“State where the games take place”OrganizationMilwaukee Brewers“Major League Baseball team”locationTropicana Field“Stadium hosting World Series games”PersonGJ Priester“Captain of the flight and uncle of Quinn Priester”OrganizationNew York Yankees“Major League Baseball team”PersonAlex Priester“First officer of the flight and cousin of Quinn Priester”PersonDwight Schmidt“Father of New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt”PersonQuinn Priester“Brewers pitcher”locationST. PETERSBURG“City in Florida where World Series games are held”