On this day in 1988 the Brewers won a 5-4, extra inning thriller against the Angels at Anaheim Stadium, and had one of the best running days in franchise history.
Jim Gantner started the fun off in the first inning, singling to right and stealing second off Angels pitcher Chuck Finley and catcher Bob Boone. Paul Molitor joined in the festivities in the third, walking and stealing second. Jeffrey Leonard chimed in for the first time in the fourth, singling and also stealing second.
Gantner struck again in the eighth, singling and stealing second. And four batters later Jeffrey Leonard joined him in the two SB club, walking intentionally and stealing second again. Finally, in the eleventh Paul Molitor made it a trio by driving in a run with a single and stealing second. The Brewers scored two runs in the inning and won 5-4.
In case you're having a hard time following along, here's the point: Three different Brewers picked up two stolen bases in the game. That's the only time in franchise history that's happened, and one of just 23 times in major league history. It's not a record, though: On May 18, 2000 four different Florida Marlins had two steals in a game against the Padres.
Molitor and Gantner were two of four Brewers (B.J. Surhoff and Robin Yount were the others) to steal 20 bases in 1988, marking the only occasion where more than three have done it. Leonard finished the season with 10.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index and Brewerfan.net, happy birthday today to:
- Wisconsin Timber Rattler Franklin Romero Jr., who turns 23.
- 1982 and 1996-98 Brewer Doug Jones, who turns 54.
- Seattle Pilot Don Mincher, who turns 73.