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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:
- 2009 Brewer Mike Burns, who turns 33.
- 2000-02 Brewer Jose Hernandez, who turns 42.
- 1995 Brewer Derrick May, who turns 43.
- Seattle Pilot and 1970-71 Brewer Danny Walton, who turns 64.