On this day in 1977, a new era of baseball began in Seattle. The expansion Seattle Mariners played their first game in the Kingdome, a 7-0 loss to the Angels.
But wait, you say, what does that have to do with the Brewers? Not much of anything, really. But, as Larry Granillo (then of Wezen-ball) pointed out, if Bud Selig hadn't managed to lure the Seattle Pilots to Milwaukee, that expansion team could have been the Brewers. The scenario produced some interesting results:
April 3, 1989 - Cleveland, Ohio
It's Opening Day for the Indians and Brewers. On a day like today, you can expect Cleveland Stadium to feel as cramped like a tin can, but it's going to be even tighter than normal: the Brewers will start outfield superstar-in-training Ken Griffey, Jr., for the first time in his career. When a player has that kind of pedigree and that beauty of a swing, the crowds just can't stay away.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday to Seattle Pilot and 1970-71 Brewer Marty Pattin, who turns 68.