Tom Brunansky isn't often mentioned among the biggest free agent busts in Brewer history, but he was a significant one. After hitting .266/.354/.445 in 1992 as a member of the Red Sox, the Brewers signed Brunansky to a deal that would pay him $1.1 million in 1993 and '94, which is a fair amount when you consider that no Brewer was making more than Teddy Higuera's $3.25 million.
The Brewers didn't get much return on their investment. In his first year in Milwaukee Brunansky hit .183/.265/.321 while playing in 80 games. On this day that season, however, he was the hero. His ninth inning, two run home run off Red Sox reliever Jeff Russell gave the Brewers' a 3-2, walkoff victory and ended Boston's ten game winning streak.
It was Brunansky's fifth home run as a Brewer. He would hit just one more before being traded to the Red Sox during the 1994 season.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2011 36th round pick and AZL Brewer Mitch Conner, who turns 22.
- Mat Gamel, who turns 26.
- 1999-2000 Brewer Kevin Barker, who turns 36.
- 1994 Brewer Jody Reed, who turns 49.