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On this day in 1967 Pat Listach was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He went to college at Arizona State before the Brewers selected him in the fifth round (133rd overall) of the 1988 draft. Four years later he made his major league debut in 1992.
Listach was a breakout star in his first major league season, appearing in 149 games and stealing 54 bases while finishing second on the team with 168 hits and winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award over, among others, Indians outfielder Kenny Lofton.
Unfortunately for the Brewers' young shortstop, 1992 was the peak of his career. He was a .231/.299/.290 hitter from 1993-97 and appeared in 100 games in a season just one more time.
Since retiring Listach has been a minor league coach and manager and is currently working as the Cubs' third base coach.
Listach turns 45 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:
- 2004 Brewer Mark Johnson, who turns 37.
- 1970-71 Brewer Floyd Wicker, who turns 69.
- Milwaukee native Fred Luderus, who would have turned 127. Luderus was a major leaguer for 12 seasons between 1909-20 as a member of the Phillies and Cubs.
Today is also the anniversary of a 1992 game where unlikely speedster John Jaha tied a Brewer record by stealing four bases in a 5-0 win over the Orioles. We covered that event in this space last year.