There have been four Panamanian Brewers in franchise history, and this day in history was a pretty good one for two of them.
First, on this day in 1976 Carlos Lee was born in Aguadulce, Panama. He was 18 when the White Sox signed him as an international free agent in 1994 and he made his debut as a full time major leaguer in 1999, playing 127 games as a left fielder. He played six seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Brewers after the 2004 season in a deal that sent Scott Podsednik and two others to the White Sox.
Lee spent one full season and part of another as a Brewer, playing in all 162 games in 2005, when he made an All Star appearance and won a Silver Slugger award. He appeared in another 102 games and made another All Star appearance in 2006 before being traded to the Rangers.
Later, on this day in 1982 Ben Oglivie had one of his best days as a Brewer. In a 7-5 Brewer win over the Tigers he hit three home runs in his first three plate appearances. He lost his only opportunity to hit a fourth when the Tigers intentionally walked him in the eighth inning during a rally that plated the Brewers' final run.
Lee turns 35 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- 2002 Brewer Paul Bako, who turns 39.
- 1993 Brewer Dickie Thon, who turns 53.
- 1972-73 Brewer Ray Newman, who turns 66.
- Former Brewer coach and FS Wisconsin broadcaster Davey Nelson, who turns 67.
- 1978 Brewer Andy Etchebarren, who turns 68.