When Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich isn't crushing fastballs, he's likely enjoying his daily cup of coffee. Now, the two-time All-Star is bringing his passion for the brew to fans with a new collaboration that's as smooth as his swing.
Yelich has teamed up with Milwaukee-based Colectivo Coffee and Visit Milwaukee to launch the "Yeli Blend," a limited-edition whole-bean coffee that hit shelves in early May. The blend promises a rich flavor profile with notes of milk chocolate, cherry, hazelnut, and citrus—perfect for fueling your morning routine or game-day prep.
"Coffee is part of my daily routine, so getting the chance to collaborate with a hometown brand like Colectivo on my own blend is really exciting," said Yelich, who has been a coffee drinker for six or seven years. While he humbly admits, "I wouldn't say I'm an aficionado. I just enjoy it," his go-to order—an Americano, hot or iced depending on the weather—shows he knows what he likes.
This coffee collab isn't just about great taste; it's about giving back. For every bag of Yeli Blend sold, $1 will be donated to Yelich's Home Plate Foundation. The foundation supports causes close to his heart, including the Brewers Community Foundation, the Visit Milwaukee Foundation, and local businesses through Visit Milwaukee's Emergency Relief Fund. It also funds scholarships for local students attending area colleges and universities.
The timing is perfect, as the launch comes just ahead of Christian and the Yelich family's fourth annual Home Plate Charity Concert on May 21. "Knowing that Christian is a specialty coffee fan and was looking for creative ways to raise money for his charitable organization, we thought this would be a fun way to work together while building excitement around a shared passion for coffee," said Marissa Worzella, Colectivo's marketing director.
Yelich summed it up best: "The purpose behind it was to do something cool but that was also benefiting the charity. It's a unique partnership. It's a cool thing to do that's also doing some good."
Whether you're a Brewers fan, a coffee lover, or just someone who appreciates a good cause, the Yeli Blend is a limited-time opportunity to enjoy a cup of Milwaukee pride—one sip at a time.