On this day in 1978 the All Star Game was played in front of 51,549 fans at San Diego Stadium. The National League won the game 7-3 despite three historic moments for Brewers on the AL side.
First, Don Money opened the game at second base, becoming the first Brewer ever to start an All Star Game. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout.
Second, the game was tied at three in the top of the fourth inning when Brewer hurler Lary Sorensen came on to pitch. Sorensen had posted a 3.19 and pitched eleven complete games before the All Star break and picked right up where he left off in this one, allowing just one hit while working three scoreless innings. Sorensen was the first Brewer ever to pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
When he was lifted from the game in the top of the seventh inning a familiar face took his place: Larry Hisle pinch-hit for Sorensen and hit an infield single. Hisle was the ninth player in franchise history to appear in an All Star Game, but the first ever to get a hit.
Interestingly enough, this was the final All Star appearance for all three players.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index we'd like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 1977 Brewer Sam Hinds, who turns 59.
- 1976-77 Brewer Jack Heidemann, who turns 63.
Today is also the anniversary of Hank Aaron's final walkoff home run, a tenth inning solo shot to beat the Rangers on this day in 1976. We covered that event in this space last year.