Gantner was an unheralded player despite nearly two decades of dependable performances that put him among the Brewers’ all-time leaders in almost every offensive category. He became Milwaukee’s starting second baseman in 1981 and led the AL in chances at the position three times.
Gantner hit .282 with career highs in HR (11) and RBI (74) in 1983, and was the Brewers’ MVP in 1984. He suffered a career-threatening knee injury in a 1989 collision with Yankee outfielder Marcus Lawton, but returned for another three solid seasons before retiring after the 1992 season.
Gantner owned a Corvette which would eventually become the car of choice for many a Brewer. He sold it to John Jaha, who eventually passed it on to Jeromy Burnitz. Burnitz then sold it to former Milwaukee reliever Eric Plunk.
