Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito’s Unexpected Connection to Brewers’ World Series Run

The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the World Series after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, ending a 44‑year wait for a pennant. The team is now four wins away from its first championship. The story gains an unusual twist because Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito was a bat boy for the Brewers 44 years ago. Zito credits former Brewers manager Harry Dalton for mentoring him, a relationship that helped shape his career in hockey. He later built the Panthers into back‑to‑back Stanley Cup champions in 2024 and 2025. Brewers officials have suggested honoring Zito with a ceremonial first pitch or an honorary bat‑boy role during the series, a symbolic nod that could add another title to his résumé.