WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Milwaukee Brewers Frozen Sausages tour stopped in Wausau Tuesday to honor Horace Mann Middle School Art Teacher Dan Merkel as a ‘Grand Slam Teacher.’
The award came as a surprise to everyone in the auditorium, Merkel included. “We have fantastic staff in this building. Every one of them are equal to this award; for me to be singled out is uncomfortable just knowing what great colleagues we have.
“I’m still kind of flustered and processing [this.] But it’s amazing,” added Merkel.
Horace Mann Middle School Art Teacher Dan Merkel named Milwaukee Brewers Grand Slam Teacher Award Winner. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
The award was based on peer recognition. Staff at Horace Mann nominated Merkel to the Brewers, who then selected him for the honor based on criteria including student impact. Merkel, who has been teaching in Wausau for 30 years, describes himself as a teacher who lets his students learn from their mistakes.
“Give them the tools and guide them. I like to let them control as much of the class as possible. They can come back to me when they have questions, but I think they can answer a lot of the questions [on their own.] Instead of being the sage on the stage, be the guide on the side,” said Merkel.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, the team also presented HMMS with a $1,000 check. Brewers President of Operations Rick Schlesinger and former player Vinny Rottino, who currently works as a TV analyst, MC’d the event.
The Brewers brought the Famous Johnsonville Racing Sausages along for the visit to conduct a short race around the HMMS cafeteria and auditorium. In a photo finish, the Polish Sausage eeked out the win over the Bratwurst and Hot Dog. It was the mascot’s second official race of the day, the first one went to the Chorizo during a stop in Green Bay.
The stop is part of a renewed effort by the Brewers to connect with fans outside the Milwaukee area after last year’s $500 million public investment
Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages at Horace Mann Middle School in Wausau. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
from the state for improvements at American Family Field. That also came with a new lease which keeps the team in Milwaukee through 2050.
Students didn’t leave Tuesday’s event empty-handed, receiving vouchers for free tickets to any 2025 home game.
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