Wally the Beer Man's trial is delayed; plea deal fails

Wally the Beer Man said Monday he's "ready to play ball." Not at Target Field, but in court, later this week.

Walter McNeil, 76, claims he was entrapped when he and seven other beer vendors were caught in a sting selling beer to an underaged person at Target Field last September.

"He's a proud man," said attorney Peter Wold, who is representing McNeil and fellow vendor Ed Stepnick, 52, in a jury trial expected to begin Wednesday or Thursday in Minneapolis.

"He's not guilty. In 41 years, there's not been one complaint."

McNeil was suspended from selling at Target Field, the Twins' home, but continues to hawk beer at Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Saints games and at Canterbury Park. He also works private events, including parties for Wold's law firm.

"I never wanted to do anything wrong," McNeill said before a brief hearing Monday. "I know the rules."

McNeil's bellowing voice has carried through the stands from the old Met Stadium to the Metrodome to Target Field over the past four decades. His suspension has spawned a "Free Wally" Facebook site that's attracted nearly 11,000 viewers, plus "Free Wally" T-shirts and buttons.

While he was waiting for word on whether the trial would begin, McNeil said in an interview: "You've got two things to sell -- yourself and service.

"I treat everybody like they were my long-lost cousins. I wanted to make my customers feel like they were at home. I enjoy people. I enjoy meeting all these people. I've watched many of my customers' kids grow up."

Stepnick, with only 24 years selling beer at Twins games, seems a mere rookie next to Wally the Beer Man.

"They've had lots of stings before," Stepnick said. "We've always passed through with flying colors. Not this time."