Today in History: Happy Birthday, Brewers!

This day in 1970 was arguably the most important in franchise history. On that day, a group of investors led by Bud Selig purchased the Seattle Pilots for $10.8 million. The Pilots had been in Seattle for just one season but had lost $1 million in that time. Just six days later, the Brewers opened the season against the Angels in Milwaukee.

With help from the B-Ref Play Index and Brewerfan.net, happy birthday today to:

• John Axford, who turns 28.
• 1964-65 Milwaukee Brave Phil Niekro, who turns 72.
• 1901 Milwaukee Brewer Bill Friel, who would have turned 135.