Johnny Logan … highlight of the Brewers’ ga,e.<\/p><\/div>\n

The real highlight was the induction of former Milwaukee Braves\u2019 shortstop Johnny Logan into Miller Parks\u2019 Milwaukee Hall of Fame. Logan \u2013 known as scrappy ballplayer \u2013 remained feisty even at age 87.\u00a0 In his acceptance, he shared stories about such notables as Billy Bruton, Hank Aaron and Stan Musial with enthusiasm \u2013 until emcee Bob Eucker had to cut him off. \u00a0\u00a0Logan, whose MLB career stretched from 1951 to 1963, was a four-time All Star and a key player on the Braves 1957 World Championship team and 1958 NL Champs.\u00a0 For trivia buffs, he was the first batter to face HOFer Sandy Koufax (delivering a single) and \u2013 playing in Japan in1964 as a member of the Nankai Hawks \u2013 was the first player to play on a MLB World Series champ and a Japanese Baseball championship team.\u00a0 The return to Japan was a natural for Logan, who had played service ball (for the Army) in Japan in 1945-46.<\/p>\n

Former Brave utility man Felix Mantilla was called upon to help present Logan\u2019s honor not only shared stories about Logan\u2019s exploits, but brought back some memories for BBRT.\u00a0 Mantilla, who eleven-year MLB career included only 89 homers and 330 RBI, made quite a mark in Boston.\u00a0 After six seasons with the Braves in Milwaukee (1956-61) and one with the expansion Met, Mantilla joined the Red for the 1963-65 seasons.\u00a0 In a line-up that included such sluggers as Dick Stuart, Tony Conigliaro and Carl Yastrzemski, Mantilla, in 1964, finished second on the team in homers with 30 (to Dick Stuart\u2019s 33) and led the Red Sox in RBI with 94 in 1965 (earning his only All Star selection).\u00a0 In those two seasons, Mantilla hit 48 of 89 career homers and collected 156 of his 330 RBI \u2013 while playing 2B, 3B, SS and all three outfield spots.\u00a0 Mantilla was traded to Houston in after the 1965 season and was released after the season (and did not play in the major again).\u00a0 For trivia buffs, Mantilla\u2019s groundball to Pirates\u2019 third baseman Don Hoak leading off the 13<\/span>^{th<\/sup> inning (on which Hoak made a throwing error), broke up Harvey Haddix\u2019 \u00a0May 26, 1959 perfect game.\u00a0 Mantilla was sacrificed to second by Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron was intentionally walked and Joe Adcock hit one out of the park.\u00a0 The elated Braves messed up the base running (Aaron ran off the field, and so was passed by Adcock) resulting in Adcock\u2019s homer becoming a double and the final score reading 1-0.\u00a0 Still, after retiring 36 consecutive batters, Haddix ended up losing the \u201cperfecto,\u201d the no-hitter, the shutout and the game.<\/span><\/p>\n}

After the Milwaukee game, out intrepid trekkers were back on the bus, swapping baseball tales, as we rolled into Chicago \u2013 and a late check in at the Palmer House Hilton.\u00a0 A long, but truly enjoyable day.\u00a0 Thanks to Ballpark Tours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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