Today in Brewer History: Happy Birthday, Ron Roenicke

On this day in 1956, Ron Roenicke was born in Covina, California. He was a first round pick of the Dodgers in the 1977 draft (the fifth time he had been drafted) and made his major league debut four seasons later, appearing in 22 games as a 25 year old outfielder in 1981. Over the next eight seasons he would play in 527 major league games as a member of six teams.

Once his playing career was over, Roenicke spent five seasons as a manager in the minor leagues and eleven seasons on Mike Scioscia's coaching staff in Anaheim before being named the 18th manager in Brewer history this winter.

Roenicke's 73 wins in 2011 have already made him the 12th winningest manager in Brewer history, passing the likes of Rene Lachemann, Joe Schultz and Jerry Royster. His .584 winning percentage entering play today is also the best in franchise history:

Roenicke turns 55 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:

• 2005-09 Brewer J.J. Hardy, who turns 29.
• 2004-10 Brewer Chris Capuano, who turns 33.
• 1987 Brewer Mark Ciardi, who turns 50.
• 1980-83 Brewer and 2003-08 manager Ned Yost, who turns 57.
• 1979-80 Brewer Paul Mitchell, who turns 62.