Milwaukee Baseball Legends.
It will be updated a couple of times a month!
Two players not on this page are Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. These two Hall of Famers are the Biggest Legends in Brewer History and thier careers speak for themselves.
Lyle Overbay (2004 to 05): Mr. Overbay came to the Brewers in the lopsided Richie Sexson trade. In his two years with the team he was a Fan Favorite at First Base. A left-handed doubles hitter, Mr. Overbay set the club record with 53 Doubles in 2004. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for three players to make room for prospect Prince Fielder. Mr. Overbay's stats are below.
2004: 174 Hits, 53 Doubles, 16 HR, 87 RBI and a .301 BA
Mr. Overbay signed a baseball card for me through the mail and a baseball in person at an Autograph Friday during the 2004 season.
Jose Valentin (1992 to 1999): Milwaukee power hitting Shortstop of the 90's. While Mr. Valentin struck out a lot and didn't have the best average but he real did have power. Here are some of his seasons as a Brewer:
1996: 90 Runs, 33 Doubles, 24 HR and 95 RBI
Mr. Valentin has signed for me several times by mail and once in person.
Ben Oglivie (1978 to 86): Mr. Oglivie came to the Brewers from the Tigers in one of the best trades in team history. The Brew Crew traded pitcher Jim Slaton straight up for Ben Oglivie before the 1978 season. After the 78 season, Mr. Slaton came back to Milwaukee as a free agent.
1978: 18 HR, 72 RBI and a .303 BA
Mr. Oglivie has signed autographs for me several times through the mail.
Jim Lonborg (1972): Though Mr. Lonborg only played one season as a Brewer, it was a good one. Stats are below.
1972: 14 Wins, 12 Losses, 11 CG, 2 SHO, 223 INN, 143 K's and a 2.83 ERA
Mr. Lonborg was also part of two of the best trades in Brewer History. First he was traded by the Red Sox along with George Scott for Tommy "Just say NO to Autographs" Harper. Then after the 1972 season he was traded to the Phillies for Don Money.
Charlie Moore (1973 to 86): Mr. Moore played all but 51 games in his 15 seasons for the Brewers. Started as a Catcher and became a Right Fielder. Batted .346 in the 1982 World Series. Another player where stats don't tell the story of his career. A gritty player who was a fan favorite for his blue collar, play anywhere, style. Played Catcher, Right Field, Third Base and Second Base in his career. From 1979 to 81 Mr. Moore batted .300, .291 and .301. The most AB's he ever had in a season was 1983 and Mr. Moore responded with 150 Hits and a .284 BA.
Jim Gantner (1976 to 92): Wisconsin born Jim Gantner played for the Brewers his whole 17-year career. Played 1449 games at Second Base and 360 at Third. One of the most consistent players in team history. Batted .333 in 1982 World Series. A fan favorite who's name is always mentioned with the Brewers all time best. Played with Paul Molitor and Robin Yount from 1978 to 92 to form the longest threesome of players in team history.
You can not judge Mr. Gantner's career by numbers, but here are some of his career stats.
1808 Games, 1696 Hits, 262 Doubles, 568 RBI, 137 SBšs and a .274 BA
Richie Sexson (2003 to 03): Third Best First Baseman in Milwaukee Brewer history, (Behind Cecil Cooper and George Scott). Best power hitting First Baseman in team history. Single season Brewer Home Run record holder with 45 in 2001 and 2003, (Tied with Gorman Thomas). Very Good defensively and a fan favorite. Mr. Sexson signed a baseball for me in spring training of 2002.
2000: 57 Games, 14 HR, 47 RBI, .296 BA, .559 Slug Pct.
Johnny Briggs (1971 to 75): When I was a kid, Mr. Briggs was one of my late Mom's favorite players. Consistent power hitting Outfielder. In the early 70's, along with George Scott and Dave May, gave the Brewers three legitimate power threats. Mr. Briggs (Now working for a sheriff's department in New Jersey) has signed for me through the mail several times.
1971: 21 HR, 59 RBI, .467 Slug Pct.
Jim Colborn (1972 to76): First 20 game winner in Milwaukee Brewer history. In 1973 Mr. Colborn had one of the best seasons any Brewer pitcher has ever had. Pitched a one hitter on May 9th, 1973 for Brewers vrs Texas Rangers. Went on to throw a no-hitter for the Kansas City Royals. One of the first baseball men to scout Japanese players. Successful pitching coach for the LA Dodgers.
1973: 20 Wins, 22 CG, 314 INN, 4 SHO, 3.18 ERA.
Dick Bosman: Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Mr. Bosman won 82 games in his Major League Baseball career. In 1974 he threw a No-Hitter against the World Champion Oakland A's. Here are his two best years.
1969: 14 Wins, 5 Loses and a 2.19 ERA (League Leader)
Mr. Bosman also did a Private Signing for my nBo Baseball in April of 2003. He is truly a great guy!
Andy Pafko Milwaukee Braves (1953 to 1959) Mr. Pafko was born and raised in Wisconsin and also played for the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs and Brooklyn Dodgers. He helped all three get to the World Series (winning the title with the Braves in 1957). Since he is Wisconsin born like I am I thought I'd show some of his best years, not just his Brave years.
1945: 12 HR, 110 RBI, .298 BA, Cubs (NL Champs)
Mr. Pafko has signed for me by mail a few times and is doing a Private Signing for the nBo in July 2003. If you ever go to Miller Park in Milwaukee you may catch him there watching the Brewers play.
Gorman Thomas (1973 to 83, 86) Mr. Thomas was the power-hitting outfielder during some of the best years in Milwaukee Brewer history. He was an All-Star in 1981 and won a pair of Home Run Titles (1979 & 1982).
1978: 32 HR, 86 RBI
He holds the Brewer single season record for Home Runs with 45 in 1979; (Richie Sexson tied the mark in 2001). Mr. Thomas came back to Milwaukee to finish his career in 1986.
Rollie Fingers (1981 to 85) Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers had the best season of his great career as a Brewer. In 1981 he won both the AL Cy Young and MVP Award.
1981: 47 Games, 6 Wins, 28 Saves, 1.04 ERA
Mr. Fingers had a rotator cuff injury in 1982 that kept him out of the 1982 ALCS and World Series. The injury also benched him for all of 1983.
George Bamberger - Milwaukee Brewer manager (1978 to 80 and 1985 to 86) Mr. Bamberger is the best manager in Brewer history. He was the first with a winning season in 1978. He turned the Brewers from perennial losers to a winning team that was always in contention. His career winning percentage as Brewer manager is .518.
1978 - 93 Wins and 69 Losses
One more point. Mr. Bamberger has signed for me though the mail several times.
Sal Bando (1977 to 81) Mr. Bando was the first free agent signed in Brewer history. He opened the door for players like Larry Hisle and Rollie Fingers to join the Brewers. His two best years as a Brewer appear below.
1977 - 17 HR, 82 RBI
After his playing career Mr. Bando would eventually become the Milwaukee Brewer General Manager. He still works for the club in a consulting capacity.
Eddie Mathews - Milwaukee Braves (1953 to 1965) The Greatest Third Baseman ever to play in Milwaukee. Mr. Mathews is also the only player to play for the Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves.
1953 - 47 HR, 135 RBI, 110 Runs and a .302 AVE
Some of the other highlights of Mr. Mathews career: Nine Time All-Star, Two Time NL Home Run Leader, 10 seasons with 30 or more Home Runs, Eight seasons with 100 or more Runs and 1444 career Base on Balls.
2005: 148 Hits, 34 Doubles, 19 HR, 72 RBI and a .276 BA
1997: 58 Runs, 23 Doubles, 17 HR and 58 RBI
1998: 65 Runs, 24 Doubles, 16 HR and 49 RBI
Mr. Oglive was a left handed power hitter who could hit for average as well. In my opinion he's the Best Left Fielder in Brewer History. A three time Brewer All Star, (1980, 82 and 83), 1980 AL Home Run Champ (41), and six times batted .280 or over for the Crew. Some of Mr. Oglivie's best Brewer seasons are shown below.
1979: 29 HR, 81 RBI and a .282 BA
1980: 41 HR, 118 RBI and a .304 BA
1982: 34 HR, 102 RBI and a .244 BA
Plus Mr. Lonborg has signed autographs a few times for me through the mail.
Charlie Moore will always be one of my favorite players. He has signed for me in person and through the mail several times.
2001: 45 HR, 125 RBI, .547 Slug Pct. .
2002: 29 HR, 102 RBI, .504 Slug Pct. .
2003: 45 HR, 124 RBI, .548 Slug Pct.
1972: 21 HR, 65 RBI, .455 Slug Pct (9th in AL)
1973: 18 HR, 57 RBI, .426 Slug Pct.
1974: 17 HR, 73 RBI, .428 Slug Pct.
1970: 16 Wins, 230 Innings, 134 K and a 3.00 ERA
1948: 26 HR, 101 RBI, .312 BA, Cubs
1950: 36 HR, 92 RBI, .304 BA, Cubs
1979: 45 HR, 123 RBI
1980: 38 HR, 105 RBI
1981: 21 HR, 65 RBI, 103 Games
1982: 39 HR, 112 RBI
By the way, in April of 2002 when I was at Miller Park for seven games, I saw Mr. Thomas at the stadium. He told me that he spends time at "Gorman's Grill" behind the right field bleachers before the start of weekend games. While I was there he was signing autographs and talking to fans.
1982: 50 Games, 5 Wins, 29 Saves, 2.60 ERA
1984: 33 Games, 1 Win, 23 Saves, 1.96 ERA
1985: 47 Games, 1 Win, 17 Saves
Mr. Fingers has signed for me through the mail on several occasions for a small fee.
1979 - 95 Wins and 66 Losses
1980 - 47 Wins and 45 Losses
1985 - 71 Wins and 90 Losses
1986 - 71 Wins and 81 Losses
1978 - 17 HR, 78 RBI and a .285 AVE
During his Hall of Fame career Mr. Mathews hit 512 Home Runs, 1509 Runs Scored with 1453 RBI. Most of his Great seasons came as a Milwaukee Brave, some of which appear below.
1954 -40 HR, 103 RBI, 96 Runs and a .290 AVE
1955 - 41 HR, 101 RBI, 108 Runs and a .289 AVE
1959 - 46 HR, 114 RBI, 118 Runs and a .306 AVE
1960 - 39 HR, 124 RBI, 108 Runs and a .277 AVE
There is way too much to say about the Great Mr. Mathews in the limited space of nBo Baseball. But there is something I have to add. Mr. Mathews signed for me through the mail on three occasions before his untimely death. He was always a very gracious signer to me.
Bill Parsons (1971 to 73): Was the first of the good home grown Brewer pitchers. Injuries shortened what was sure to be a Great career. In 1971 was Topps AL Rookie Pitcher of the Year.
1971 - 13 Wins, 12 CG, 244 IP, 139 K's and a 3.20 ERA
1972 - 13 Wins, 10 CG, 214 IP, 111 K's and a 3.91 ERA
Jim Slaton (1971 to 77 and 79 to 83): One of the Best pitchers in Milwaukee Brewer History. Had nine years with 10 or more wins as a Brewer. Holds All Time Brewer records for Games Started (268), Wins (117), Shut Outs (19) and Innings (2025). Also has signed for me through the mail on a few occasions.
Lary Sorensen (1977 to 80): A Milwaukee Brewer All-Star in 1978, Mr. Sorensen combined with Mike Caldwell to win 40 games, (a team record). He has signed for me two different times through the mail. Mr. Sorensen's three full years as a Brewer appear below.
1978 - 18 Wins, 17 CG, 280 IP and a 3.21 ERA
1979 - 15 Wins, 16 CG, 235 IP and a 4.118 ERA
1980 12 Wins, 8 CG, 195 IP and a 3.88 ERA
Jeromy Burnitz (96 to 01) Best Milwaukee Brewer Right Fielder Ever. Mr. Burnitz is the only player in Brewer history to hit 30 or more Home Runs in four consecutive seasons. His stats as a Brewer appear below.
1996 - 2 HR, 14 RBI, .239 AVE, 8 Runs (only 23 games)
1997 - 27 HR, 85 RBI, .281 AVE, 85 Runs
1998 - 38 HR, 125 RBI, .263 AVE, 92 Runs
1999 - 33 HR, 103 RBI, .270 AVE, 87 Runs
2000 - 31 HR, 98 RBI, .232 AVE, 91 Runs
2001 - 34 HR, 100 RBI, .251 AVE, 104 Runs
One More Reason: My wife Cathy and I made our first trip to Miller Park in late August 2001. We made a sign that said "Home Run Burnitz". We sat on the right field side and when the Brewers first took the field Mr. Burnitz saw the sign. We used our video camera and taped Mr. Burnitz waving to us.
Later in the game he threw a baseball in our direction but we didn't get it.
By the way, Mr. Burnitz did hit a Home Run in the game that we had our sign. (That game was played August 27th, 2001)
Dave May (1970 to 1974, 78): Milwaukee Brewer Outfielder and All-Star. Had one of the best early seasons by a Brewer in 1973. That season Mr. May came in eighth in the AL MVP voting while leading the league in Total Bases and coming in third in Batting Average. His 1973 stats appear below.
1973: 25 HR, 93 RBI, 96 Runs, 15 SB, 295 TB and a .303 BA
After the 1974 season, Mr. May was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Hank Aaron. Mr. May has signed twice for me through the mail.
Juan Nieves (86 to 88): Mr. Nieves was considered the best pitching prospect in baseball when the Brewers signed him. His career ended short due to injury, but in that time he did something no other Brewer has ever done. On April 15th, 1987 Mr. Nieves pitched the first (and so far only) no-hitter in Milwaukee Brewer history. He shut down the Orioles at Baltimore 7 to 0 while striking out five. Mr. Nieves career stats appear below.
1986: 35 G, 11 Wins, 3 SHO, 116 K's and a 4.92 ERA
1987: 34 G, 14 Wins, 1 SHO, 163 K's and a 4.61 ERA
1988: 25 G, 7 Wins, 1 SHO, 73 K's and a 4.08 ERA
Ed Romero (1977, 80 to 85 and 89): Mr. Romero was a Shortstop and utility infielder for the Brewers during parts of eight seasons. As a part time player for the Brewers, Mr. Romero's best three seasons are listed below.
1983: 59 Games, 46 Hits, 7 Doubles and a .317 BA
1984: 116 Games, 90 Hits, 12 Doubles and a .252 BA
1985: 88 Games, 63 Hits, 11 Doubles and a .251 BA
Mr. Romero also has signed for me on four different times through the mail. Plus he signed a baseball for me in person March 2001 at the Brewers Spring Training facility in Arizona. He is a minor league coach for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pete Ladd (1882 to 85): Mr. Ladd is best known for being the Relief Pitcher who filled in for Rollie Fingers after his injury in 1982. He saved two games in the 1982 ALCS for the Brewers vrs the Angels. His best season was 1983.
1983: 44 Games, 3 Wins, 25 Saves and a 2.55 ERA
Mr. Ladd has signed three times for me through the mail. He also wrote a note for nBo Baseball's "Player Interactions" page.
Dave Parker (1990): While Mr. Parker only played one season of his great career in Milwaukee it was a memorable one.
1990: 21 HR, 92 RBI and a .289 BA
Dave Parker set two Milwaukee Brewer records that one season that most likely will never be broken. He set single season records for Home Runs (21) and Runs Batted In (92) by a Brewer DH.
I had the luck to meet Mr. Parker in Reno, NV May of 2001. He was in town for a golf tournament and I was lucky enough to have about a five-minute conversation with him. He signed two baseballs for me and I told him about nBo Baseball. I found him to be a great guy.
Mike Caldwell (77 to 84): One of the top pitchers in Milwaukee Brewer history. He was the anchor of the Brewer staff from 1978 to 1983. One of the Top Three Lefties in Milwaukee County Stadium history, (Warren Spahn and Teddy Higuera being the other two). Mr. Caldwell was the second Brewer to win 20 games in a season and holds the Brewer single season win record with 22 in 1978. That 1978 season was the best by a Milwaukee Brewer starting pitcher ever. Also in 1978 Mr. Caldwell came in second in the AL Cy Young voting.
In the 1982 World Series Mr. Caldwell went 2-0 (in two starts), 17 Ins, and a 2.04 ERA.
Mr. Caldwell's best years as a Brewer appear below.
1978: 22 Wins, 23 CG, 6 SHO, 293 IP and a 2.36 ERA
1979: 16 Wins, 16 CG, 4 SHO, 235 IP and a 3.29 ERA
1980: 13 Wins, 11 CG, 2 SHO, 225 IP and a 4.03 ERA
1981: 11 Wins, 3 CG, 144 IP and a 3.93 ERA (strike year)
1982: 17 Wins, 12 CG, 3 SHO, 258 IP and a 3.91 ERA
Mr. Caldwell has also signed baseball cards for me three different times through the mail.
Bob Coluccio (73 to 75): Mr. Coluccio was part of the first good rookie class the Brewers ever had in 1973, (Along with Pedro Garcia and Darrell Porter). He played Right Field and Center Field. I started watching the Brewers in 1973 and remember how exciting it was those early days. He was one of my favorite players at the time and helped me become a Brewer fan. Stats for his two full seasons with the Brewers appear below.
1973: 15 HR, 58 RBI, 13 SB
1974: 6 HR, 31 RBI, 15 SB
Mr. Coluccio has a special history with nBo Baseball. He was the first player to do a "Player Interaction" (a hand written note) for the nBo Baseball web site.
Lew Burdette - Milwaukee Braves (1953 to 63): Mr. Burdette was the second best pitcher in Milwaukee Brave history, (Warren Spahn being the best). As a Brave Mr. Burdette won 20 games twice and 15 or more eight times. On August 16th, 1960, Mr. Burdette threw a no-hitter vrs the Phillies at Milwaukee County Stadium.
1957 had to have been one of Lew Burdette's best years in baseball. Not only did he win 17 games in the regular season but also he had one of the Best World Series performances ever. Mr. Burdette won three games for the Milwaukee Brave against the New York Yankees including the Series clinching seventh game.
Mr. Burdettešs six best seasons as a Milwaukee Brave appear below.
1956: 19 Wins, 16 CG, 256 IP and a 2.70 ERA
1957: 17 Wins, 14 CG, 256 IP and a 3.72 ERA
1958: 20 Wins, 19 CG, 275 IP and a 2.91 ERA
1959: 21 Wins, 20 CG, 289 IP and a 4.07 ERA
1960: 19 Wins, 19 CG, 275 IP and a 3.36 ERA
1961: 18 Wins, 18 CG, 272 IP and a 4.00 ERA
A couple of more things about Lew Burdette, between 1957 and 1961 Mr. Burdette hit 10 Home Runs with 47 RBI. Those are awesome power numbers for a pitcher.
Also, Mr. Burdette has signed autographs for me, through the mail, three different times. He charges $5 to sign baseball's which is a Great price for a legendary pitcher like Lew Burdette.
George Scott (72 to 76): The first legitimate power hitter in Milwaukee Brewer history. Mr. Scott had five great years as the Brewers First Baseman.
1972: 20 HR, 88 RBI .266 AVE
1973: 24 HR, 107 RBI, .306 AVE
1974: 17 HR, 82 RBI, .281 AVE
1975: 36 HR, 109 RBI, .285 AVE
1976: 18 HR, 77 RBI, .274 AVE
Mr. Scott also won the AL Gold Glove, at 1B, in each of his five seasons as a Brewer. He led the AL in Total Bases in 1973 (295), and 1975 (318). Led the AL in Home Runs (36) and RBI (109) in 1975.
Don Money (73 to 83): Milwaukee Brewer All Star Third Baseman and Second Baseman. First Brewer to start in an All-Star game, (1978). Played in 1196 games for Milwaukee. Ranks in the top five of the following Milwaukee Brewer all time records: Hits 1168, Runs 596 and Doubles 215. Holds Brewer single season record (1977) for most Home Runs (25) and RBI (83) by a Second Baseman.
Cecil Cooper (77 to 87): Greatest Milwaukee Brewer First Baseman of All Time. Batted .300 or better seven straight years, (1977 to 1983). Five seasons with 20 or more Home Runs and 99 or more RBI. Won AL Gold Glove as First Baseman in 1979 and 1980. Career marks as a Brewer: .302 AVE, 1815 Hits, 821 Runs, 201 HR and 944 RBI. Holds Brewer single season records for RBI (126 in 1983) and Hits (216 in 1980). Five time Brewer All Star.
Teddy Higuera (85 to 94): Greatest Milwaukee Brewer Starting Pitcher of All Time. One of three 20 game winners in Brewer history (Jim Colborn and Mike Caldwell are the other two.). Below are his stats for his first four years as a Brewer, (pre injury).
1985: 15 Wins, 127 K's, 212 IP, 3.90 ERA
1986: 20 Wins, 207 K's, 248 IP, 2.79 ERA
1987: 18 Wins, 240 K's, 261 IP, 3.85 ERA
1985: 16 Wins, 192 K's, 227 IP, 2.45 ERA
Holds three of the top four spots on Brewer single season strike out list. Career marks as a Brewer: 94 Wins, 12 Shut Outs, 1380 IP, 1081 K's (Brewer record) and a 3.61 ERA. In 1987 threw 32 consecutive scoreless innings (Brewer record).
