The Brewers got off to a hot start on this day in 1998, scoring three runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on a Jeromy Burnitz home run. The day's most interesting home run, however, came later.
Rafael Roque started the game for the Brewers, but had lasted just four innings before being removed. Bronswell Patrick took his place on the mound, and was left in to hit for himself to lead off the fifth inning. He responded by hitting a solo home run to left. Because the Brewers had been an AL team during the DH era for most of their existence, it was the first homer by a Brewer pitcher since Skip Lockwood hit one in 1971.
The Brewers went on to lose the game 5-4 anyway. Patrick finished his major league career with three hits in sixteen at bats, and with this homer as his only extra base hit.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday to:
- Wisconsin Timber Rattler Nick Ramirez, who turns 22 today.
- Brandon Kintzler, who turns 27 today.
- 1974 Brewer Roger Miller, who would have turned 57 today.
- 1978 Brewer Tony Muser, who turns 64 today.
- 1978-80 and 1985-86 Brewer manager George Bamberger, who would have turned 88 today.
- 2008 Brewer Gabe Kapler, who turned 36 on Sunday.
- 1972 Brewer Earl Stephenson, who turned 64 on Sunday.
- 1970-71 Brewer Pete Kogel, who also turned 64 on Sunday.
- 1973-74 Brewer John Vuckovich, who would have turned 64 on Sunday.
- Brevard County Manatee D'Vontrey Richardson, who turned 23 on Saturday.
- 2004 Brewer and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Matt Erickson, who turned 36 on Saturday.
- 1992 Brewer Scott Fletcher, who turned 53 on Saturday.