Shortly after Craig Counsell replaced Ron Roenicke as Milwaukee Brewers manager, about three months ago, Counsell and the Brewers looked into hiring Pat Murphy, his former coach at the University of Notre Dame.
Murphy was managing the San Diego Padres' Class AAA affiliate in El Paso. But the Padres denied the Brewers permission to speak to Murphy, and six weeks later he replaced Bud Black as Padres manager.
The two rookie managers found themselves in opposing dugouts Monday night, matching wits at Miller Park.
"It's great thrill, to be honest with you," said Murphy. "You think back to the privilege to, one, just coach him back then for four years.