On this day in 1983, Donald Zachary "Zack" Greinke was born in Orlando, Florida. The Royals selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2002 draft, one pick before he Brewers took Prince Fielder. Both Greinke and Fielder have turned out to be significantly better choices than most of the players drafted ahead of them:
| Pick | Team | Player | Pos | Career rWAR |
| 1 | Pirates | Bryan Bullington | P | -0.4 |
| 2 | Rays | B.J. Upton | SS | 16.9 |
| 3 | Reds | Chris Gruler | P | 0 |
| 4 | Orioles | Adam Loewen | P | 0.8 |
| 5 | Expos | Clint Everts | P | 0 |
| 6 | Royals | Zack Greinke | P | 24.3 |
| 7 | Brewers | Prince Fielder | 1B | 19.9 |
Of the other players selected in the first round of that draft only Matt Cain (24.6 rWAR) has been more valuable than Greinke, and Cole Hamels (22.5) is the only other player who's been worth more than Fielder.
Greinke, as you likely know, spent most of seven seasons in Kansas City before being traded to the Brewers in a six player deal last winter. His first year in Milwaukee was somewhat enigmatic, but he struck out a career high and franchise record 10.5 batters per nine innings while posting a 3.83 ERA over 28 regular season starts. He also got to pitch in the playoffs for the first time in his career, posting a 6.48 ERA over 16.2 innings.
Greinke turns 28 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 2011 Brewer Danny Ray Herrera, who turns 27.
- Huntsville Star Jim Henderson, who turns 29.
- 2006-08 Brewer Gabe Gross, who turns 32.
- 1991-92 Brewer Franklin Stubbs, who turns 51.