Don Money

Money’s nickname, Brooks, is a tribute to his fielding prowess but, like Robinson, he was also a productive hitter whose offensive capabilities were often overlooked because of his excellent glove work.

Originally signed by the Pirates’ Syd Thrift, Money was traded to Philadelphia with Woody Fryman and two other pitchers in return for Jim Bunning. In his rookie 1969 season, he was the Phillies’ regular shortstop. Larry Bowa came up in 1970 and Money moved to third base, batting a career-high .295 with 14 HR and 66 RBI in 120 games. He saw his average drop into the .220s in the next two seasons, but he started playing every day in 1972 and led NL third basemen in putouts, double plays, and fielding. He was sent to the Brewers in a seven-player deal after the season to make room for Mike Schmidt.

In Milwaukee, his average rebounded to the .280s as the Brewers’ leadoff batter, and he stole a career-high 22 bases in 1973 (and 19 in 1974). He led AL third basemen in fielding in 1973 and 1974. Willingly moved to second base in 1977 after the Brewers got Sal Bando, Money had his best year, reaching career highs in HR (25), RBI (83), and runs (86). After that he was an “expensive utility man” (his own phrase), kept not only for his versatility afield but also for his power. He was primarily a DH for several seasons, including 1982 when the Brewers were AL champions.