Today In Brewer History: Happy Birthday, Brooks Kieschnick

On this day in 1972, Brooks Kieschnick was born in Robstown, Texas. He went to college at the University of Texas before the Cubs drafted him with the tenth overall pick in 1993, launching a relatively unusual professional career. 

Kieschnick was a Baseball America top 100 prospect in 1994, '95 and '96 and made his major league debut with the Cubs in '96 as a pinch hitter/outfielder, but wasn't able to stick in the big leagues. He appeared in just 64 games over two seasons as a Cub before being selected in the expansion draft by the Devil Rays and dropping off the big league radar for two full seasons. Kieschnick returned to the majors as a Red in 2000 and again as a Rockie in 2001, but again never gained traction as a full time player. 

He had already been a part of six organizations when the Brewers signed Kieschnick as a minor league free agent following the 2002 season. While playing in AAA for the White Sox that year, he had started what would turn out to be a pretty successful transition to the mound.

Over two seasons as a Brewer Kieschnick pitched in 74 games, posting a 4.59 ERA over 96 innings. He also made 144 plate appearances and hit .286/.340/.496. 

Kieschnick turns 39 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:

• 2006-07 Brewer Tony Graffanino, who turns 39.
• 1958-62 Milwaukee Brave Carl Willey, who would have turned 80.