Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito served as Brewers bat boy during 1982 World Series run

Clear Facts

• Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito worked as a bat boy for the Milwaukee Brewers during their 1982 World Series appearance.
• The Brewers are heading to the World Series after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
• Zito credits former Brewers manager Harry Dalton with encouraging his interest in baseball management.

The Milwaukee Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series to reach the World Series for the first time in 44 years.

Behind that milestone stands a familiar face from the Panthers front office. Bill Zito served as the Brewers bat boy during their last Fall Classic appearance in 1982.

“He took me under his wing,” Zito said. “It was the 1982 Brewers, who went to Game 7 of the World Series. He was so kind to me and afforded me the opportunity. I could go up to his office whenever I wanted, I could learn scouting. He took the time to explain everything to me and always encouraged me to get into the management side.”

Zito went on to build a championship organization in South Florida, leading the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. His early experience with the Brewers shaped his approach to building winning teams across sports.

“He took me under his wing,” Zito said. “It was the 1982 Brewers, who went to Game 7 of the World Series. He was so kind to me and afforded me the opportunity. I could go up to his office whenever I wanted, I could learn scouting. He took the time to explain everything to me and always encouraged me to get into the management side.”

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