Jim Gantner
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| Jim Gantner | ||
|---|---|---|
| Second base, Third base | ||
| Born: January 5, 1953 | ||
| Batted: Left | Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | ||
| September 3, 1976 for the Milwaukee Brewers |
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| Final game | ||
| October 3, 1992 for the Milwaukee Brewers |
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| Career statistics | ||
| Batting Average | .274 | |
| Hits | 1696 | |
| RBI | 568 | |
| Teams | ||
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| Career highlights and awards | ||
James Elmer Gantner (born January 5, 1953 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) was a Major League Baseball player who played his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1976-92).
Contents |
[edit] Background
Gantner grew up in Eden, Wisconsin,[1] and went to high school at Campbellsport High School in nearby Campbellsport, Wisconsin. [1] He played his college baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he was enshrined into the Titans' Hall of Fame in 1984.
[edit] Baseball career
Gantner was a 12th-round draft pick in the 1974 amateur draft. Gantner spent two years in the minor leagues before being called up to the majors. He was best known for his consistent play, which culminated in a respectable .274 career batting average after 17 seasons. Gantner, or "Gumby" as he was affectionately known because of the way he turned double plays, was the second baseman for the Brewers, who won the American League pennant in 1982 but fell in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. He comprised a stellar infield throughout much of the '80s beside Hall of Famers Robin Yount (SS/OF), Paul Molitor (3B), and former Brewer great Cecil Cooper (1B).
Gantner rarely hit home runs. On September 3, 1991, he hit his first home run since 1987, ending a streak of 1,762 at-bats without one. Gantner's last career home run came on August 14, 1992, in the 13th inning, against Boston Red Sox reliever Jeff Reardon. Gantner hit the first pitch into the right field bleachers in Milwaukee County Stadium, giving the Brewers an 8-7 victory. Brewers announcer Bob Uecker had the call with, "Here's the pitch to Gantner. He hits one to right and deep. Get up. Get up. Get outta here - gone! A dinger for Klinger! And this game is over. Woah, Jimmy Gantner!"
He pitched one inning in relief in 1979, allowing two hits. In spite of the game being a blowout, Ganter almost got thrown out for arguing balls and strikes with the Umpire.
[edit] Coach
Gantner coached several years after he retired as a player. He currently runs River Coffee House in Hartland, Wisconsin, and Hale Park Automotive Services in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He also is employed by the Brewers' organization.
Gantner entered his first season as field manager of the Wisconsin Woodchucks in the Northwoods League in 2007.[2]
[edit] Statistics
Career Statistics:
Hitting
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | SB |
| 1,801 | 6,189 | 1,696 | 262 | 38 | 47 | 726 | 568 | 383 | 501 | .274 | .319 | .351 | 137 |
[edit] References
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The references in this article would be clearer with a different or consistent style of citation, footnoting, or external linking. |
- ^ a b 1980-1989. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (December 3, 1999). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
- ^ "Woodchucks Introduce Gantner as New Manager" October 24, 2006, Retrieved June 22, 2007
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