Harvey Kuenn's place in Milwaukee baseball history rests on taking the Brewers to their first World Series in 1982. His legacy also continues through a foundation that helps children who need prosthetic limbs, connecting the former manager's own experience with families facing similar challenges.
Kuenn, who grew up in West Allis, went from playing professional baseball to coaching and managing. When he took charge of the Brewers during the 1982 season, the team had a 23-24 record and was seven games back in the standings. His relaxed approach helped revive the club, which reached the World Series and became known as "Harvey's Wallbangers."
That achievement followed the loss of his right leg below the knee after a blood clot forced an amputation. In a July interview, his son, Harvey Kuenn Jr., recalled that his father was already coaching when he received his prosthetic leg and later wore it while managing in the World Series. The prosthesis now hangs from the ceiling at 4th Base, where it served as something of a good luck charm for the 2026 Brewers.
Kuenn Jr. established the Harvey Kuenn Foundation shortly after his father died in 1988. The organization works with Hanger Clinic to help cover the expense of prosthetic limbs for children and sponsors some little league baseball in West Allis. For Kuenn Jr., remembering his father goes hand in hand with raising money to assist children.
Among the families receiving support is that of Jennifer Cosgrove, whose daughters, Ivy and Anna, were born with congenital limb differences. Ivy was born without tibia bones in either leg and received prosthetics five weeks after surgery. Cosgrove said the foundation has provided substantial help to her family over the years.
Cosgrove described watching her daughters grow, thrive and take on challenges as encouraging. Both girls now participate in standing and wheelchair basketball, and they also enjoy camping and traveling. "As we've gone down this road, we've realized that there's not much they can't do," she said.
The family attended a July picnic with other families helped by the foundation and clinic. The gathering gave children who use prosthetics a chance to spend time together. Mafer Larraga Martinez, a certified prosthetist/orthotist with Hanger Clinic, said those opportunities allow children to play without having to explain their devices, something that can distinguish the experience from being the only child with a prosthetic leg at school.
Most of the foundation's fundraising takes place through a summer golf outing, though the organization is seeking to expand its efforts. Information about getting involved is available on the foundation's website.
