On this day in 1947, Don Money was born in Washington, DC. At 18 years old he was signed by the Pirates, who went on to trade him to the Phillies following the 1967 season. He played five relatively forgettable seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to the Brewers as part of a seven player deal. No one probably knew it at the time, but Money would go on to be one of the greatest players in Brewer history.
Over the eleven seasons that followed Money hit .270/.338/.421 while appearing in games at six different positions: All four infield spots, left field and DH. He also made four All Star appearances in a five year stretch between 1974-78 and twice received votes for MVP. Money was worth 25.6 rWAR as a Brewer, still the fourth highest career total for a position player in franchise history, trailing only Robin Yount (76.9), Paul Molitor (60.6) and Cecil Cooper (29.3).
Money is currently in his 14th season as a minor league manager in the Brewer organization, and his third with the Nashville Sounds.
Money turns 64 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- Huntsville Star Sean Halton, who turns 24.
- 1987 Brewer Jim Paciorek, who turns 51.