Reviewing The Brew
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Milwaukee Brewers: The Top 5 First Basemen in Franchise History

By Isaac Buttke

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 13: Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers gestures after he hit a double in the top of the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 13, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 13: Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers gestures after he hit a double in the top of the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on October 13, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 7: Milwaukee Brewers ball cap and gloves are left on the dugout steps during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Miller Park on April 18, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images) /

Number 1: Cecil Cooper

Years as a Brewer: 1977-1987

Though he’s not as recent as the others on the list, Cooper is far and away the greatest first baseman in Brewers’ history. Although he spent the first six seasons of his career in Boston, “Coop” was in Milwaukee for 11 years. He was even a productive hitter even in his later years.

Cooper tallied over 30 doubles in seven of the 11 seasons. Plus, he nearly reached the 1000 RBI plateau with Milwaukee. Between that and a solid .302 batting average as a Brewer, his bat is certainly worthy of the top spot.

Cooper led the league in doubles in 1979 and 1981. He had three top-5 MVP finishes, had another top-10 finish, and played in five All-Star games with the Milwaukee Brewers.

His glove was also solid, as his hardware suggests. Cooper won a pair of Gold Gloves and remained an average fielder into the back end of his career. The four-time All-Star also had as many top-five MVP finishes as Fielder. All in all, Cooper was a well-rounded first baseman who was among the league’s elite for many years.

Next: Top 5 Third Basemen in Brewers history

Do you agree with this list? Is there anyone you think we missed? This list may start more arguments than it ends. However, one thing is for certain: the Brewers have a history of good first basemen.

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