Paul Molitor was one of the best Milwaukee Brewers players in the team’s history, a Hall of Famer, and a member of the iconic 1982 World Series team. So it’s fitting that Molitor is throwing out the first pitch during World Series game 2, following Robin Yount, who threw out the pitch during game 1.
Molitor, now 70, sat down with CBS 58 in Milwaukee to give his thoughts on the Brewers season, and he spoke emotionally about the 2026 team, the 1982 legacy, but also the team’s loyal fans. He said the 1982 World Series helped “unite the fan base,” which continued to support the team “through a lot of lean times.” The Brewers legend said he’s most “happy for the fans…They are so deserving to have this moment. My hat’s off to them for the support they gave me a long, long time ago, and may they enjoy this run and hopefully it brings home that first Milwaukee Brewers World Championship.”
According to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Molitor played in Milwaukee for 15 years. “In 1982, ‘The Ignitor’ helped the Brewers to their first-ever World Series appearance, leading the league with 136 runs scored while also collecting 201 hits and batting .302,” the Hall of Fame notes.
“I’m elated,” Molitor said of the 2026 team’s success. He said it was a “little strange” that he was employed by the Minnesota Twins, but that didn’t really matter. “I have to tell you that following this Brewer run has been spectacular for me personally.” He said he was happy to throw out the pitch, and was pleased the Brewers were bringing the 1982 and 2026 teams together.
Paul Molitor Expressed ‘Gratitude’ That the Milwaukee Brewers Fans Got to Experience Another World Series
Molitor said that “you just felt that this one was going to be a little different for whatever reason.”
“They know they still have got some work to do. But my gratitude and thankfulness that Brewers fans are finally experiencing another World Series. Only four and a half decades. That’s all they’ve had to wait,” Molitor added.
“It’s been impressive in all facets of the game,” Molitor said of the 2026 team. “This team just keeps on playing…Another component about this team that I like is that they’re so willing to pass it to the next guy.”
He called the 2026 team “impressive.”
Where is Molitor today? He works for the Minnesota Twins; after leaving the Brewers, he played for the Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays. “Molitor’s responsibilities include assisting the baseball operations department with minor league instruction during both minor league spring training and at the Twins’ affiliates during the regular season. He will also join the Twins radio broadcast for select games in 2024,” MLB says.
Paul Molitor Also Weighed in on Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Chourio & Bob Uecker
Molitor also weighed in on a variety of other angles during the CBS 58 interview. Molitor noted that he was a Bruce Springsteen fan. “We both have a lot of passion for what we do,” Molitor said, referring to Springsteen’s passion for music.
He praised Jackson Chourio. “I like watching him hit,” Molitor said. “He’s still so young. He swings probably consistently harder than I did. I just love watching him hit.” Chourio had a couple at-bats “where I just marveled. That guy’s ceiling hasn’t been close to approached yet.”
Molitor said he could almost hear Bob Uecker calling the World Series.
“He bled Brewers baseball and did it forever….We think about him, and I am sure Brewers fans do too. There’s a void there for sure.”
The fact the 1982 Brewers legacy has “lingered so long” means a lot to Molitor.
He said he was grateful they’ve been able to stay in the minds of the older generation of Brewers fans. “It’s not like we’ll disappear, but we’ll be happy to step back a few rungs on the ladder.”
Paul Molitor Is Married to Wife Destini & Has 4 Kids, Including a Son Who Plays Baseball
What is Molitor’s life like personally today?
Paul Molitor, his wife Destini, and @TC_00 spreading holiday cheer today to kids at @GilletteChildrn in St. Paul. pic.twitter.com/oyVkFSI3Zz
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 23, 2014
Paul Molitor is married to wife Destini Molitor, with whom he has two kids. He also has a daughter with his first wife and a son from another relationship. He has opened up about how his Christian faith improved his life.
His son Benjamin Molitor has also played baseball. “It is a blessing to have him as my dad,” Ben said in 2025. “My dad helps me with life in general. We talk a lot about mental strength and mental toughness.” He plays on the Winona State team.
His daughter Julia Molitor is a model. She has posted photos with her dad on her Instagram page.
