Late last night, the Milwaukee Brewers lost a member of their great family. Dave May passed away after battling cancer and diabetes. He was an outfielder that played 717 games for Milwaukee, and made an All-Star appearance as a member of the Brewers in 1973, placing eighth in that year’s MVP voting. He it .303 that year, with 25 home runs and 95 RBI and led the American League in total bases with 295. But that’s not what he’s most remembered for.
He also happens to be the player that was sent with a player to be named later to Altlanta in 1974, a move that brought Hank Aaron back to Milwaukee to finish his career.
In many respects, he would appear to be a minor footnote in the history of Major League Baseball. But to Milwaukee, he was a stand-out player who worked hard day-in and day-out. To his family he was a devoted husband and father. To his colleagues in baseball he was a class act, a good friend, and a tremendous part of clubhouses in Baltimore, Texas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Milwaukee.
To Brewers fans, he was part of a great legacy spanning 40 years of hard work, dedication, and a very special relationship between a town and its team. He might not have been the greatest player in Brewers history, but he was an important part of this franchise and he will not be forgotten.
Dave May was 68 years old. The hearts and thoughts of everyone at Reviewing the Brew are with the May family at this time.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Dave May 1943-2012