On this day in 1971 Charlie Greene was born in Miami, Florida. The Padres selected him in the 19th round (497th overall pick) of the 1991 draft, and five years later he made his major league debut with a cup of coffee with the 1996 Mets.
Greene played parts of five major league seasons as a member of four teams, but 32 of his career 55 major league games and all five of the walks he drew as a big leaguer came as a member of the 1999 Brewers. Greene also served as the backup catcher for Team USA in the 1999 Pan-Am Games and caught 987 games in the minors over 13 professional seasons.
Greene retired following the 2003 season and has spent the last several years working as a coach in the Brewer organization. He's slated to spend 2012 as the Brewer Field Coordinator and Catching Instructor.
Greene turns 41 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 1975-76 Brewer Kurt Bevacqua, who turns 65.
- 1971-72 Brewer Paul Ratliff, who turns 68.