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Today In Brewer History: Tragedy At Miller Park

Miller Park.
Miller Park.

Miller Park has been one of the greatest things to happen to the Brewers during their 40+ year existence, but it's important to remember that the building came with a terrible, unexpected cost.

On this day in 1999, a 480-foot crane (nicknamed "Big Blue") collapsed during construction on the Brewers' new home, killing ironworkers Jeff Wischer, William DeGrave and Jerome Starr and delaying the opening of the ballpark by a full season. The crane was carrying a 400 ton section of the Miller Park roof in heavy winds at the time of the collapse. WISN had a story looking back at the accident back in 2009, on the tenth anniversary.

So, while I know we're all excited about the Brewers resuming play tonight, I'd ask that you please take a moment today to remember these three ironworkers and their families, who have now been without a loved one for 12 years.

With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to: