Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun remained apologetic in addressing the media prior to the Brewers On Deck fan fair at the Wisconsin Center on Sunday.
It was Braun’s first large-scale public appearance in Milwaukee since his 65-game suspension last season.
“I’m excited to be back,” Braun said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It’s always nice to be back. I think since my extended off-season began I’ve been back a few times, and everybody’s been extremely supportive. It’s great to be back. The weather’s a little bit colder than what I’m typically used to this time of the year, but aside from that it’s good to be back. Nice to see everybody and it’ll be nice to interact with the fans (later).
“I’ve actually had a lot of interaction with the fans (previously) and everybody’s been great. Everybody’s been incredibly supportive. I know last time I was here with you guys in November you asked about what I expected or anticipated. I don’t really expect or anticipate anything, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Since the Biogenesis scandal and his subsequent suspension, Braun said it was his idea to call Brewers ticket holders. He said he called all Miller Park suiteholders as well as some season ticket holders.
“It was great. I think it was a really unique experience,” he said. “There were a lot of people who really didn’t believe it was me initially. Actually I think everybody was really supportive, which was cool. It was something I had no idea what to expect or anticipate, but I enjoyed it. It was fun.”
Braun would not address any further questions regarding details about his PED usage.
“Again, I appreciate there is still interest in this stuff, but I addressed everything in November when I was here for the charity event, and I think I addressed it pretty specifically in the statement that we gave (in August),” he said.