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Today In Brewer History: A Neighbor From The South

On this day in 1942, John Felske was born in Chicago, IL. In 1961 the Cubs signed him as an amateur free agent and he made his major league debut as a 26 year old in July of 1968. He appeared in just four games as a Cub that season, but was selected by the Seattle Pilots in the minor league portion of the expansion draft over the winter.

Felske resurfaced in the majors as a Brewer in 1971, splitting time between catcher and first base in 50 games over the next two seasons. During his 113 plate appearances he posted a .137/.205/.216 batting line, and his .421 OPS is the lowest ever for a Brewer with at least 100 career PAs:

Player Season(s) OPS
John Felske 1972-73 .421
John Vukovich 1973-74 .427
Gus Polidor 1989-90 .438
Jeff Huson 1997 .462
Lenn Sakata 1977-79 .491

Felske was also the fifth Illinois native to wear a Brewer uniform. The sixth was a little more memorable: Danville native Robin Yount debuted in 1974.

Felske turns 69 today.