Wauwatosa joined the fold of Greens' franchises in 2001. Before hooking up with Moline, the franchise had previously been affiliated with Jackson of the Cracker League. But the move up north is more than geographic. "The Cracker League was bush," says Brats president Clyde Bowman. "But when you move to the Suburban League, well, that's moving uptown: seatbacks, two different kinds of beer on tap, and flush toilets. Yup, we're going to like it here."
Wauwatosa's roots stretch back more than 165 years. Charles Hart established the first permanent settlement in Wauwatosa Township in 1835 when he built the first house on land situated opposite Root Common on Harwood Avenue. Because of the waterpower, he built a gristmill and a sawmill on the west side of the Menomonee River at what is now Harwood Avenue. Until 1842, Wauwatosa was attached to the township of Milwaukee, chiefly for convenience in the adjustment of local affairs. Eventually, the settlers of the community felt the need for political independence, and it was decided that their own township should be formed.
Now a city of more than 50,000, Wauwatosa offers year-round outdoor activities in more than 350 acres of city and county parks which include outdoor playgrounds, baseball diamonds and soccer fields, ice rinks and indoor and outdoor swimming centers. Wauwatosa has a number of festivals and special events throughout the year, the most famous being TosaFest, a yearly event including entertainment, ethnic food and handmade crafts. The Milwaukee County Zoo considered one of the best in the country is located on the edge of Wauwatosa and offers year-round events.
"Adding a baseball franchise was a natural extension of the family values this town believes in," beamed mayor Theresa Estness.