On this day in 1999, a Brewer legend wore #4 for the final time. Before a game against the Twins, the Brewers retired Paul Molitor's number.
Molitor had worn #4 through 1856 regular season games over 15 seasons as a Brewer, during five All Star appearances, six years where he received votes for AL MVP, two seasons where he won a Silver Slugger Award and seasons where he led the American League in hits, doubles, triples and runs. He also wore #4 while hitting in 39 consecutive games in 1987. No Brewer has had a streak longer than 22 games since.
It was fitting that the Brewers retired Molitor's number before a game against the Twins: He had played his final three seasons with Minnesota before retiring at age 42. The next year, he would rejoin the team as bench coach.
With Molitor in attendance, the Twins beat the Brewers 9-7 behind late inning home runs from Marty Cordova and future Brewer Corey Koskie.
Happy birthday today to 1961 and '65 Milwaukee Brave Frank Thomas, who turns 82.