Starting pitcher Jim Slaton was one of the real bright spots on the Brewers' early years in Milwaukee, pitching over 200 innings per season between 1971-77 and making the 1977 AL All Star team. That all came to an end* in December of 1977 when Slaton was traded to the Tigers for outfielder Ben Oglivie.
* - temporarily.
One year later, though, Slaton returned to Milwaukee when he re-signed with the Brewers as a free agent on this day in 1978. Slaton's second run as a Brewer lasted for five seasons and allowed him to collect 45 more wins. He's still the franchise's all-time leader in victories with 117.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2012 Helena Brewer Ryan Gibbard, who turns 23.
- 2006-10 Brewer Carlos Villanueva, who turns 29.
- 1996 Brewer Terry Burrows, who turns 44.
- 1974-80 Brewer Sixto Lezcano, who turns 59. We covered his birthday in this space last year.