Juan Nieves

On April 15, 1987 22-year-old Juan Nieves became the first Milwaukee Brewer and the first Puerto Rican-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter, as he blanked the Orioles 7-0 in Baltimore. Centerfielder Robin Yount made a dramatic diving catch for the last out. Many baseball observers had anticipated such a feat by Nieves. A Connecticut prep-school star with a 90-mph fastball, he was scouted by dozens of colleges and every ML club. Since he was born in Puerto Rico he did not need to go through the amateur draft. He was won over by the Brewers for a reported $150,000 signing bonus in 1983. He compiled a 33-9 record in three minor league seasons and struggled to an 11-12 rookie record in 1986, but matured in 1987, going 14-8. A shoulder injury sidelined him for two months of 1988 and all of 1989.