Today In Brewer History: Not All That Glitters Is Gold

On this day in 1980, Jon-Michael (J.M.) Gold was born in Belleville, New Jersey. Eighteen years later, Gold went on to be selected #13 overall by the Brewers in the 1998 draft, out of a New Jersey High School. Unfortunately, being a first round pick was Gold's biggest professional accomplishment, as he went on to be one of the worst early draft picks in recent memory.

Gold played six professional seasons in the Brewer organization, but threw more than 40 innings just one time (for Low-A Beloit as a 19 year old), and never reached AA. His professional career was over at age 23, when he posted a 6.65 ERA in eleven appearances (three starts) for High-A High Desert. 

It's not entirely fair to second guess draft picks, because the amateur draft is something of a crap shoot after the early picks. But if you're looking for a reason to get depressed today, here are some of the players who were drafted in the first round after Gold:

With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:

• 2003-06 Brewer Brady Clark, who turns 38.
• 1987 Brewer Alex Madrid, who turns 48.
• 1972 Brewer Chuck Taylor, who turns 69.