1976 Kellogg's Hank Aaron

Milwaukee Brewers CTNW Fan Favorites #1

Although Hammerin' Hank spent only 2 years in the twilight of his career in a Brewers uniform, he had played 12 years as a Milwaukee Brave in County Stadium. By the time Aaron retired in 1976, the Brewers still hadn't finished above 5th place in the division let alone finish above .500. The addition of the newly crowned Home Run Champ bolstered attendance. In 1974 attendance was 9th place out of 12 AL teams. In 1975 it was 3rd despite losing 8 more games. 

I can't understand why Hank Aaron was never on a Kellogg's card. Kellogg's produced cards from 1970 through 1983. Aaron was one of the most popular players during that time.

1982 Topps Robin Yount In Action

Milwaukee Brewers CTNW Fan Favorites #2

Robin Yount is synonymous with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played his entire 20 year career in a Brewers uniform. He was selected to 3 All Star games, won 3 Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove award and was the American League MVP in 1982 and 1989.  In 1982 he had career highs in homeruns (29), RBIs (114) and batting average (.331).  He also lead the league in hits, doubles, total bases and slugging percentage.

2002 UD Vintage Moose Skowron

I am taking a break in my Brewers thread to pay tribute to Bill "Moose" Skowron.  Moose passed away last Friday of congestive heart failure after a battle with lung cancer. Moose was the son of a Chicago garbage man. He was a two sport star at Purdue when the Yankees drafted him after his sophomore year.  He was a 5 time all star first baseman for the Yankees from 1954-1962. He returned to his home town in 1964. Playing on the south side from 1964-1967. Moose has been a regular at White Sox games, fantasy camps, conventions and other events. He has been given the title of White Sox Ambassador since 1999.  Although his greatest years were in a Yankees uniform he embodies the working class roots of his hometown. He will be missed.

1978 Hostess Paul Molitor

Milwaukee Brewers CTNW Fan Favorites #3

Paul Molitor was the runner up to Detroit's Lou Whitaker in the 1978 Rookie of the Year voting. As a rookie Molitor stole 30 of his 504 career bases. He would go on to play in 7 All Star games, win 4 Silver Slugger awards and a World Series MVP in his Hall of fame career.

For those of us who were kids in the mid to late '70s, We remember picking out our cereal by which ones had cards inserted in them. We also remember going through the all boxes of Hostess snacks. These were even better because the cards were on the outside so you could see who you were getting. They came in panels of 3 but you could also buy 2-packs of Twinkies with individual cards on them. But the individual Twinkies cards always had a huge grease stain on them. My brother and I would go through every box in the store trying to find the players we liked. 

1981 Fleer Rollie Fingers

Milwaukee Brewers CTNW Fan Favorites #4

In 1981 Rollie Fingers became the 4th pitcher to win the MVP and Cy Young awards in the same season. Joining Don Newcombe, Sandy Koufax, and Bob Gibson. Also in 1981, Topps produced it's first separate set of Traded Cards. Not only was this the only set that included Fingers in a Brewers uniform during his MVP/Cy Young season, but it reinforced Topps status above the 1981 newcomers Donruss and Fleer.

The 1981 Topps Traded set was loaded with future Hall of Famers including Fingers, Fisk, Winfield, Morgan, Gaylord Perry, Sutton, Sutter and Blyleven as well as several stars of the day.  Fleer would eventually follow suit in 1984 and Donruss in 1986.