I grew up with the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1970s and '80s until I went to work for the team as a batboy in 1984 and stayed with the team until 2005. I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of players and I believe what is listed below would be a pretty darn competitive team in any era.
I will give a full 25-man roster with explanations to justify why the guys I picked are there. Some of the reasons will be talent and some will be from the relationships that I built while I was there.
Catchers (2) - Ted Simmons and Jim Sundberg
Ted was my locker mate during my first year as a batboy and I learned so much not only about baseball but also about life from Ted as a 16-year-old kid. He was a heckuva catcher with great offensive skills that frankly should merit Hall of Fame consideration when compared with other catchers that are already in the Hall. Jim Sundberg was a phenomenal defensive catcher, a top-notch human being and would be a great number two on this team.
First baseman (1) - Cecil Cooper
One of the very best pure hitters from the late '70s to the mid-'80s. Cecil was a run producer as well as a home run threat. He also had arguably one of the biggest hits in franchise history in Game Five of the 1982 American League Championship Series.
Second basemen (2) - Jim Gantner and Willie Randolph
Jim Gantner was one of the most reliable and consistent players at his position for more than a decade. He was a hard-nosed competitor and fantastic on the turn of the double play. Willie Randolph was only in Milwaukee for a brief time but nearly won a batting title. He was also one of the classiest players you could ever hope to work with.
Shortstop (1) - Robin Yount
Not much needs to be said here. He was a Hall of Famer through and through. A two-time MVP, his motorcycle ride through County Stadium after the conclusion of the 1982 World Series is one of the most memorable moments in Milwaukee sports history.
Third basemen (2) - Jeff Cirillo and Don Money
Jeff Cirillo is the Brewers' all-time leading hitter and not many people know that. He was also a very good third baseman. Don Money was one of the Brewers' first great stars. He was the first to be voted into the All-Star Game in 1977. He has also gone on to be a very good manager in the Brewers' minor league system.
Outfielders (5) - Ryan Braun, Gorman Thomas, Ben Oglivie, Bob Coluccio, Sixto Lezcano
Ryan Braun is the only current Brewers' position player on this roster. He appears to be a true superstar and one of the best hitters ever to wear a Brewers uniform. Gorman Thomas was a great slugger and his all-out playing style in the outfield made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Ben Oglivie was one of the most feared left handed sluggers in the American League for several years and tied for the AL lead in homers with Reggie Jackson in 1982. Bob Coluccio would certainly be the fifth outfielder on this team but he was my first favorite player growing up.
I remember watching him play at the first game I ever went to in 1974. Sixto Lezcano had possibly the best outfield arm of any Brewer in team history. You did not want to run on that guy.
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