Kicking it old school: San Miguel Beermen are back
After a two year absence, the San Miguel Beermen, the only remaining pioneer team in the PBA, will make their comeback in the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The switch was timed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the San Miguel Beermen’s grand slam in 1989.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang said the time is ripe to bring the company’s core brand back to the PBA.
“San Miguel Beer is synonymous to brewing excellence. We built our success as a conglomerate on San Miguel’s name. We are happy to announce its return to the PBA and we look forward to its future success,” said San Miguel Corporation Ramon S. Ang.
Overall, the San Miguel franchise has won a league-best 19 championships, including the historic 1989 grand slam victory.
“On the 25th anniversary of that historic feat, we will gun for more championships with a new generation of talented and hardworking players and coaching staff,” Ang says. “As in the past, our aim is to stay true to the San Miguel brand of excellence and to play hard and well above our fans’ expectations.”
"I'm happy for all SMB fans. I know they've been waiting for this for a long time," said San Miguel great and current San Mig Super Coffee assistant coach Olsen Racela when asked for his thoughts on the impending change.
In 1989, San Miguel Beer swept all three conferences to nail the third of only four PBA grand slams. Only Crispa (1976, 1983) and Alaska Milk (1996) have managed to do the same in the PBA’s storied career.
