When Teoscar Hernández, the 32‑year‑old outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, sat down for an exclusive chat with fan‑media outlet Dodger Blue on October 14, 2025, he didn’t just dissect his baserunning blunder from Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. He also let slip a family‑told story about eerie happenings at Milwaukee’s historic Pfister Hotel. The revelation adds a spooky footnote to a series already buzzing with superstition.
Why the Pfister Hotel Matters to the Dodgers
The Pfister, a Victorian‑era gem at 424 E Wisconsin Avenue, has been on the city’s paranormal radar since it opened in 1893 under German immigrant Guido Pfister. Operated today by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, the hotel earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was freshly renovated for $35 million in 2018. Legends speak of ghostly bellhops, flickering lights, and muffled footsteps in empty corridors—stories that have seeped into the lore of visiting baseball clubs for decades.
Hernández explained that his wife, who was on a layover in Milwaukee, sent him a text describing a “cold draft and whispered voices” in the hotel lobby. He declined to share specifics, but the anecdote was enough to keep the Dodgers away from the Pfister during the current NLCS stretch. Superstitions run deep in baseball; players routinely avoid certain rooms, seats, or even whole hotels when the stakes are high.
Game 1 Recap: The Error That Sparked the Conversation
On October 13, 2025, at American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Dodgers fell 3‑2 to the Milwaukee Brewers. Hernández’s mis‑timed tag on a grounder in the third inning proved costly, prompting the fan‑media outlet to probe his mindset. “Playoff, you don’t think much about your stats as a player individual,” Hernández said at timestamp 00:06:32‑00:06:50 of the 8‑minute‑49‑second interview. “It’s more about what can I do today to help this team win… I’m not worried about numbers. I’m more about, at the end of the game, celebrating with the win.”
The Dodgers entered the series as National League West champions, having dispatched the New York Mets 3‑1 in the NLDS just days earlier. Their offense produced 8 runs in the first four games of the NLDS, but the 2025 NLCS opener exposed a need for extra run support—as Hernández admitted, “we needed more runs, but I won’t point fingers.”
Other Voices: How the Teams and Hotel Responded
Neither the Dodgers front office nor the Brewers’ management were quoted in the video, but a spokesperson for Marcus Hotels & Resorts issued a brief statement on October 15, saying, “We respect every guest’s experience and wish all teams a successful series. The Pfister remains a proud part of Milwaukee’s heritage.”
The Brewers, meanwhile, have a long‑standing tradition of staying at local downtown hotels, often the Pfister itself, during postseason runs. When asked about the alleged hauntings, Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes chuckled, “I’ve slept there for years, never saw a ghost. If it helps the Dodgers stay focused, that’s cool.”
Impact on Fans and the Bigger Picture
Fans on Reddit’s r/Dodgers and r/Baseball have been buzzing. One thread titled “Did the Pfister scare us away?” gathered over 2,300 comments within 48 hours. Some users speculated that the Dodgers’ decision to avoid the hotel could be a subtle psychological edge—if the opposing team feels comfortable, perhaps the Dodgers feel a little… less so.
Sports psychologists note that rituals and superstitions provide a sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable environment. Dr. Karen Liu, a professor at the University of Southern California, told the Los Angeles Times on October 16, “When a player hears a story about a haunted hotel, it can reinforce a mental barrier that helps them block distractions. It’s not about ghosts; it’s about focus.”
What’s Next for the NLCS and the Dodgers?
Game 2 is set for October 14, 2025, at 7:37 PM CDT, same venue, same opposition. The Dodgers will look to even the series, and Hernández has promised to channel his energy into “making the right reads on the basepaths” rather than dwelling on the hotel folklore.
Should the series stretch to a full seven games, the teams will likely rotate accommodations. The Dodgers’ travel coordinator, whose name has not been disclosed, is expected to book rooms at a different downtown property to avoid any further superstition‑related chatter.
Key Facts
- NLCS Game 1 result: Brewers 3, Dodgers 2 (Oct 13, 2025).
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI.
- Primary quote: “I’m not worried about numbers. I’m more about at the end of the game celebrating with the win.” – Teoscar Hernández.
- Haunted hotel: Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee.
- Operator of the hotel: Marcus Hotels & Resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Teoscar Hernández mention the Pfister Hotel during the interview?
Hernández said his wife reported a strange draft and whispered sounds while staying at the Pfister, a hotel famous for ghost stories. He shared it to illustrate why the Dodgers chose different lodging for the series, highlighting how superstition can shape team logistics in high‑pressure playoffs.
How did the Dodgers' baserunning error affect Game 1?
Hernández’s mis‑timed tag in the third inning prevented a potential run‑scoring chance, leaving the Dodgers trailing 2‑1 at that point. The margin stayed tight, but the Brewers capitalized later to win 3‑2, underscoring the fine line between a win and a loss in postseason baseball.
What is the historical significance of the Pfister Hotel?
Opened in 1893 by Guido Pfister, the Pfister Hotel is a Milwaukee landmark celebrated for its Victorian architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and underwent a $35 million restoration in 2018. Its reputed hauntings have become part of local folklore, often cited by athletes and tourists alike.
Will the Dodgers' lodging choice influence future postseason logistics?
Teams already factor superstition into hotel selection, but Hernández’s public comment may prompt other clubs to be more transparent about their accommodation plans. In the long run, front‑office staff might prioritize venues with fewer ghost stories to keep players mentally focused.
How have the Brewers historically dealt with the Pfister’s reputation?
The Brewers often stay at the Pfister during regular‑season road trips, and players like Corbin Burnes have dismissed the hauntings as “just a story.” Their comfort with the hotel contrasts with the Dodgers’ caution this year, highlighting differing team cultures around lore.
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