As we mentioned earlier this week Joe Schultz, the first manager in franchise history, was let go in September of 1969 after just one season at the helm of the Seattle Pilots. The team needed just a few days to select his replacement, former Reds manager Dave Bristol, and made the move official 43 years ago today.
Despite being just 36 years old at the time of his hire, Bristol had already managed parts of four seasons with the Reds from 1966-69 and posted a 298-265 record. Bristol was at the helm when a sudden spring training move brought turned the Pilots into the Brewers and brought them to Milwaukee, becoming the team's first manager in their new home.
Bristol managed the 1970 and 1971 seasons before being let go 30 games into the 1972 campaign. He posted a 144-209 record over 354 games, and remains the ninth winningest manager in franchise history.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2012 Helena Brewer Chris McFarland, who turns 20.
- 1991-99 Brewer Cal Eldred, who turns 45. We covered his birthday in this space last year.
- 1996-97 Brewer Ben McDonald, who turns 45.