On this day in 1996, the Brewers traded former AL Rookie of the Year Pat Listach and reliever Graeme Lloyd to the Yankees for reliever Bob Wickman and outfielder Gerald Williams. The move ended a five year career in Milwaukee for Listach, who had been the AL's top rookie in 1992 but appeared in 100 games just one time and posted a .238/.306/.298 line in four seasons since.
Listach, however, reported to New York injured and never took the field as a Yankee, causing the Bombers to cry foul. Six days later, the Brewers sent former All Star Ricky Bones to the Yankees to complete the trade. He didn't fare much better, posting a 14.14 ERA in four appearances before leaving for the Reds after the season.
In hindsight, the most valuable player in the deal was Green Bay native and UW-Whitewater alum Bob Wickman. He posted a 3.20 ERA and recorded 79 saves in 272 relief appearances over five seasons as a Brewer before being traded to the Indians in a deal that netted Richie Sexson.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- Zach Braddock, who turns 24.
- Mark DiFelice, who turns 35.
- 2000-02 Brewer Raul Casanova, who turns 39.
- 1997 Brewer Julio Franco, who turns 53.
- 1993 Brewer Mike Boddicker, who turns 54.
- Seattle Pilot and 1970-71 Brewer John Morris, who turns 70.