Today in Brewers History: February 14, 1973

It was quite the day in Brewers history in ’73 on this date. While it may not seem of significance, after all, they only thing they did was sell Billy Conigliaro to the Oakland Athletics. It’s the matter in which they found themselves selling Conigliaro to the A’s that is much more interesting.

The Brewers originally acquired Conigliaro in a blockbuster trade that included Ken Brett, Jim Lonborg, George Scott Tommy Harper, and Marty Pattin. Ken Brett was the 4th overall pick in the ’66 draft, he helped the Red Sox to win the ’67 World Series and finished his career with a 3.93 ERA and 807 strikeouts, as well he gave up Hank Aaron’s 700th home run.  Jim Lonborg, meanwhile, led the Red Sox to the ’67 World Series, he led the AL in wins (22), games started (39) and strikeouts (246). Lonborg would eventually finish his career with a 3.86 ERA and 1,475 strikeouts. George Scott was a three-time all-star with the Red Sox who was also part of the ’67 World Series. The Brewers also got Joe Lahoud and Don Pavletich from the Red Sox. In return, the Brewers would send Patrick Skrable (minors), Tommy Harper, Lew Krausse, and Marty Pattin to Boston.

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In Boston, Conigliaro showed great promise, hitting 16 doubles and 18 home runs in 1970, followed by 26 doubles and 11 home runs in ’71, finished 8th in doubles in the American League.  His most memorable game is probably the one that occurred on July 4, 1970 when Billy and his brother (and teammate) Tony would both homer against the Cleveland Indians in the same game. Billy Conigliaro would only play 52 games in Milwaukee, batting .230/.261/.393/.654 with 7 HRs and 16 RBIs. Conigliaro was unhappy in Milwaukee and as a result, he retired from baseball halfway through the season.

In the offseason, the Brewers would sell Conigliaro to the Athletics thus ending his brief and unremarkable time in Milwaukee.