Wait, These Guys Were Once Brewers?

[Matt Breen]

There are often times when we read a story or see a video of past Brewer teams. We often are surprised to find out that some famous (and not-so-famous) players spent a year or two with the club. Many, but not all, of these players were at the end of their careers - playing for one more chance to prolong their glory days. 

Here is a list of prominent major league players who had short (one or two seasons) stays with the Brewers.

Rob Dibble
The former Reds All-Star closer and Nasty Boy ended his career in Milwaukee in 1991, tossing 12 innings with an 8.25 ERA. 

Willie Randolph
The Brewers signed the six-time All-Star second baseman in 1991, right before the start of the season. Randolph, 36, hit a career-high .327. He became a free agent after the season.

Dave Parker
The Cobra was one of the most feared hitters of his day. He was named to seven All-Star teams and won the NL MVP award in 1978. At 39, Parker’s all-star days were behind him when he joined the Brewers as a free agent, serving as the club’s primary designated hitter. He rewarded the team by hitting .289 and 21 home runs. The Brewers traded Parker to the Angels the following spring for Dante Bichette.

Hank Aaron
As his career faded, one of baseball’s all-time greats was winding down his days and was looking for an American League team that could use him at the designated hitter position. The Brewers fit the bill, and Aaron was happy to return to a city where he had fond memories. The team thus traded for Aaron after the 1974 season. The Brewers (who were not very good) enjoyed Aaron’s star power for two years before he retired at age 42. However, his time in Milwaukee was not good as baseball’s home run king’s abilities were in decline.

Ray Fosse
Fosse was one of baseball’s most promising young catchers coming up with Cleveland in the early 1970s, including two All-Star appearances and a Gold Glove in his first two seasons. Injuries, however, derailed his career. His final go in the majors was a failed 19-game stint with the Brewers in 1979 at the age of 32.

Devon White
White, a center fielder, was known for his elite glove (seven Gold Gloves) and solid bat. But his skills had eroded when he reached Milwaukee for his final season in 2001. Despite being 38, White could still hit (.277 and 14 home runs), but his defense had eroded badly, and he called it a career after the season. 

Jim Edmonds
Edmonds, a center fielder, won eight Gold Gloves and appeared in four All-Star games in his career. While not in the Hall of Fame, he accumulated an impressive 60+ bWAR. After a year out of baseball, Edmonds made a comeback in 2010 with the Brewers at age 40, making the team on a minor league contract. And he did well, hitting .286 and adding eight home runs on 240 at bats. However, with the team out of the playoff race, the Crew traded him to the Reds in August. 

Hideo Nomo
Nomo was among the first Japanese players to come to America and have a long and successful career. He won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1995 and made the All-Star team. But Nomo’s effectiveness waned after a few years, and he was traded and then released by two teams. He joined the Brewers in early 1999, resurrecting his career - throwing 176 innings and winning 12 games. He was let go by the Brewers after the season and had four more solid seasons before his career fell off a cliff. 

Rick Dempsey
Dempsey may not have been an All-Star player, but he was one of the majors' most durable and long-lasting catchers for nearly a century. He was also famous as one of baseball’s great entertainers. Dempsey played with Milwaukee in 1991 for his second-to-last season, serving adequately as the club’s backup catcher. 

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[Jim French Stepstool]

Felipe Alou could also fit on this list. In 1974 he only played in something like 2 or 3 games before being released. 

Fun fact----On opening day of that season he pinch hit for a certain eighteen-yr-old SS who was making his major league debut.

[gregmag]

Injuries, plural, didn’t derail Ray Fosse’s career. Pete Rose did, in his signature moment of the selfishness and low character that permeated his life and career. 

[Outlander]

On 12/29/2024 at 10:19 AM, Matt Breen said:

Dave Parker
The Cobra was one of the most feared hitters of his day. He was named to seven All-Star teams and won the NL MVP award in 1978. At 39, Parker’s all-star days were behind him when he joined the Brewers as a free agent, serving as the club’s primary designated hitter. He rewarded the team by hitting .289 and 21 home runs. The Brewers traded Parker to the Angels the following spring for Dante Bichette.

Parker's All Star days were not behind him as he was an All-Star for the Brewers.

Would add Jim Abbott, played his final season with the Brewers. He wasn't good but did get his two career hits as a Brewer, which is impressive.

Was also kind of excited when they picked up Tom Brunansky in 1993 but he was horrible as a Brewer.

Julio Franco was another in 1997 but he ended up playing another 10 years so not exactly end of the line for him even though his first game in MLB was in 1982.

[Matt Breen]

46 minutes ago, Outlander said:

Parker's All Star days were not behind him as he was an All-Star for the Brewers.

Would add Jim Abbott, played his final season with the Brewers. He wasn't good but did get his two career hits as a Brewer, which is impressive.

Was also kind of excited when they picked up Tom Brunansky in 1993 but he was horrible as a Brewer.

Julio Franco was another in 1997 but he ended up playing another 10 years so not exactly end of the line for him even though his first game in MLB was in 1982.

Abbot, Brunansky and Franco would have been great guys to add. Thanks.