On this day in 1962, Dan Plesac was born in Gary, Indiana. He went to college at NC State before the Brewers selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 1983 draft. He signed just days later and by 1986 he was a full time major leaguer.
Plesac pitched seven seasons as a Brewer and made 365 appearances, 351 of them in relief. He posted an ERA under 3 in each of his first four seasons, making three consecutive All Star appearances (1987-89) along the way. By the time he left as a free agent following the 1992 season Plesac had accumulated 133 saves, a franchise record that stands to this day. He's the only Brewer with more than 100, and he's over 60 ahead of active franchise leader John Axford.
After leaving the Brewers, Plesac pitched eleven more seasons as a member of five teams before retiring after spending 2003 with the Phillies. His 1064 pitching appearances are the sixth most in MLB history.
Plesac is one of just two former Brewers born in Gary, Indiana. The other was another reliever: 2010-11 Brewer LaTroy Hawkins.
Plesac turns 50 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 2004 and 2006 Brewer Ben Hendrickson, who turns 31.
- 1982-83 Brewer Rob Picciolo, who turns 59.
- 1977 Brewer Steve Brye, who turns 63.