Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski has a Pokemon plan for Game 1 of the 2026 World Series.
The 24-year-old right-hander takes the mound Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, and he plans to channel Charizard when he does. The likely National League Cy Young Award winner led baseball with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts during the regular season, and his start opens the Brewers’ first World Series since 1982.
Foul Territory took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday to share a clip from Misiorowski’s World Series press conference. In the video, a kid asked the flame-throwing right-hander what Pokemon energy he planned to bring into Friday’s series opener, and Misiorowski picked a fan favorite.
“Definitely the flame energy. What's Charizard's signature move? Fireball. Bring some fireball. I'm going to be ready.”
What Pokémon energy is Jacob Misiorowski bringing to the World Series mound?
CHARIZARD. 🔥🐉 pic.twitter.com/KnuMge1JwO
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 22, 2026
The fire theme matches Misiorowski’s arm. His 104.8-mph pitch against the San Diego Padres stands as the fastest postseason pitch since tracking began in 2008. He also threw 1,115 pitches of at least 100 mph during the regular season, topping the previous record of 673.
His Pokemon ties run deep. In August 2025, he pulled a rare holographic Charizard card in the Brewers’ clubhouse. He later showed off a custom Charizard-themed glove at the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, though Lugia remains his favorite Pokemon.
Article Continues BelowMisiorowski’s October results have trailed his regular season. He allowed two runs in four innings against the Padres and one run in 4 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has not surrendered a postseason home run.
Tampa Bay will counter with Nick Martinez in Game 1. That choice likely sets up Drew Rasmussen to start Games 2 and 6, though the Rays have not confirmed their full rotation.
Misiorowski and the Brewers open the World Series against the Rays on Friday night in Milwaukee, and Game 2 follows Saturday at American Family Field.