On this day in 1956, Paul Molitor was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He went to college at the University of Minnesota and was selected third overall by the Brewers in the 1977 draft. He appeared in just 64 minor league games that season before making the jump from low-A to the major leagues in April of 1978.
Robin Yount holds nearly every notable Brewer record, and in nearly every instance Molitor is in second place. At one point or another during his 15 years as a Brewer he led the American League in hits (1991), runs scored (three times), doubles (1987), triples (13), at bats (twice) and plate appearances (twice). He appeared in 1856 games for the Brewers and did so while playing second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field, first base and designated hitter.
Overall Molitor finished his career with 3319 hits, ninth most all time. He received 431 of 506 votes (proof that 75 voters were clueless) and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2004.
Molitor turns 55 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- Randy Wolf, who turns 35.
- 1997-98 Brewer Darrin Jackson, who turns 48.
- 1976-77 Brewer Gary Beare, who turns 59.
- 1985 Brewer Ray Burris, who turns 61.
- Milwaukee native Happy Felsch, who would have turned 120. Felsch played six seasons between 1915-20 as a member of the White Sox.