Craig Counsell will be back for a fourth season with his hometown team.

The veteran infielder passed a physical exam on Monday and finalized a one-year, $1 million contract to return to the Brewers. Counsell, who grew up in a Milwaukee suburb and still has a home there, will serve once again as the Brewers’ primary backup at shortstop and second base and could also vie with fellow left-handed hitter Mike Lamb for time at third base.

Counsell, 38, drew interest from several other teams, including the Padres and Cardinals, both of whom may have been able to promise more consistent playing time. In the end, he decided to stay close to home.

“When you put everything in the hat for me, it was the best offer,” Counsell said. “When you throw in the financials, my family concerns, the chance to win, Milwaukee came out on top.”

Counsell batted .226 in 110 games last season and is valued by the Brewers for his versatility — he started 38 games at third base, 24 at shortstop and 19 at second base and is considered an above-average defender at all three spots — plus his ability to work an at-bat off the bench. He has posted an on-base percentage of .323 or better in each of the last nine seasons, including .355 in 2008.

Counsell’s father, John, worked in the Brewers’ community relations department in the 1980s. Craig Counsell joined the team prior to the 2004 season, coming to Milwaukee as part of the trade that sent slugger Richie Sexson to the D-backs. He departed via free agency after that season but returned for 2007 on a two-year contract.

Counsell became a free agent again this winter when the Brewers declined his $3.4 million option for 2009.

He agreed to terms with the Brewers last week, but the team waited to make its official announcement until Counsell passed his physical. He also has a home in Phoenix, and underwent the exam there with a Brewers team doctor.

“In the end, this was the best place to come back to,” Counsell said. “Obviously, money is a huge factor and anyone who says it’s not is crazy. But you put other things in there, too. When I did that, this place came out on top.”

Counsell will turn 39 in August and already has a pair of World Series rings, but he wants to win another before he considers hanging up his spikes.

“You certainly think about what’s next, because this isn’t going to last forever,” he said. “But I’m going to keep playing as long as I feel I’m a Major League player. If I don’t feel like I am, I’m not going to do it. And I still feel like I can help the team.”

Hookscenter.com wire report.