On this day in 1930, Delmar Wesley "Del" Crandall was born in Ontario, California. He was 18 years old when the Boston Braves signed him as an amateur free agent in 1948, and made his major league debut just one year later.
Crandall played a part time role for the Braves in 1949 and '50 but didn't get his first full time shot at the majors until 1953, the team's first full season in Milwaukee. Over eleven seasons in Milwaukee Crandall caught 1167 games for the Braves - no other player in the team's Milwaukee era was behind the plate for more than 476. During that time Crandall made eight All Star appearances, won four Gold Gloves and received votes for NL MVP seven times.
The Braves traded Crandall following the 1963 season but his time in Milwaukee wasn't done: He returned to become the third manager in Brewer history in 1972, leading the team to a 271-338 record over four seasons.
Crandall turns 82 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- AZL Brewer Jose Garcia, who turns 21.
- Huntsville Star Sergio Miranda, who turns 25.
- 2001-03 Brewer Jeffrey Hammonds, who turns 41.
- 1994-98 Brewer Jose Mercedes, who turns 41.
- 1990-91 Brewer Kevin Brown, who turns 46.
- 1961 and '64 Milwaukee Brave and 1970-71 Brewer Phil Roof, who turns 71.