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Fifty-two years ago today the Milwaukee Braves pulled off an ill-fated trade, sending pitchers Joey Jay and Juan Pizarro to Cincinnati for outfielder Roy McMillan.
McMillan came to Milwaukee as a three-time Gold Glover and two-time All Star, but nearly all of his value came on defense. He was a .237/.313/.322 hitter over 399 games with the Braves during four seasons, and his .635 career OPS was easily the lowest among players who made at least 1400 plate appearances during the team's time in Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, Joey Jay went on to stardom with the Reds. He won 21 games each in 1961 and '62 and pitched in the 1961 World Series. Pizarro was traded again before the 1961 season, but went on to pitch 398 more games in his career as a member of the White Sox, Pirates, Red Sox, Indians, Athletics, Cubs and Astros.
McMillan would later return to Milwaukee on the coaching staff for the 1970 Brewers, and was the team's interim manager for two games when Dave Bristol was fired in 1972. His 1-1 record represents the shortest managerial tenure in franchise history.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2012 AZL Brewer Juan Francisco, who turns 22.
- 1999-2000 Brewer Hector Ramirez, who turns 41.
- 2005-06 Brewer Rick Helling, who turns 42. We covered his birthday in this space last year.