THIS ONE IS A BEAUTY!!

Great looking, single signed baseball by former 1982 AL Champion Milwaukee Brewer...Jim Gantner.

Jim began his career in 1976 with the Milwaukee Brewers.  He played his entire 17 year career for the Brewers 1976-92.  Jim, whose nickname was "Gumby", played in 1801 career games and banged out 1696 hits (including 262 doubles, 38 triples and 47 HR's) in 6189 at bats for a .274 batting average.  Jim led all 2nd basemen in putouts 2x (1984 with 362, 1988 with 325), led all 2nd basemen in double plays 2x (95 in 1981 and 128 in 1983), had 512 assists in 1983 and was a member of the 1982 American League Champion Milwaukee Brewers.  Jim signed the sweet spot of this OAL Gene A. Budig baseball with a blue ballpoint pen and also inscribed underneath his name, "1982 A.L. CHAMPS", underneath his name to note his accomplishment.  Jim signed this OAL baseball on Saturday December 23, 2000.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia...

James Elmer Gantner (born January 5, 1953 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) was a Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1976-92).

Background

Gantner grew up in Eden, Wisconsin,^[1] and attended Campbellsport High School in nearby Campbellsport, Wisconsin. ^[1] He played his college baseball at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he was enshrined into the Titans' Hall of Fame in 1984.

Baseball career

Gantner was a 12th-round draft pick in the 1974 amateur draft. Gantner spent two years in the minor leagues before being called up to the majors. He was best known for his consistent play, which culminated in a respectable .274 career batting average after 17 seasons. Gantner, or "Gumby" as he was affectionately known because of the way he turned double plays, was the second baseman for the Brewers, who won the American League pennant in 1982 but fell in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. He comprised a stellar infield throughout much of the '80s beside Hall of Famers Robin Yount (SS/OF), Paul Molitor (3B), and former Brewer great Cecil Cooper (1B).

Gantner rarely hit home runs. On September 3, 1991, he hit his first home run since 1987, ending a streak of 1,762 at-bats without one. Gantner's last career home run came on August 14, 1992, in the 13th inning, against Boston Red Sox reliever Jeff Reardon. Gantner hit the first pitch into the right field bleachers in Milwaukee County Stadium, giving the Brewers an 8-7 victory. Brewers announcer Bob Uecker had the call with, "Here's the pitch to Gantner. He hits one to right and deep. Get up. Get up. Get outta here - gone! A dinger for Klinger! And this game is over. Woah, Jimmy Gantner!"

Gantner pitched an inning of relief against the Kansas City Royals on August 29, 1979, allowing two hits. Despite the game being a blowout, he was almost ejected for arguing balls and strikes with the umpire.

Coach

Gantner coached several years after he retired as a player. He currently runs Hale Park Automotive Services in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He also is employed by the Brewers' organization. Jim also is partial owner to a bar in Eden, Wisconsin called "Scuds Buds."

Gantner entered his first season as field manager of the Wisconsin Woodchucks in the Northwoods League in 2007.^[2]

What you see is what you get...this is the baseball that you are bidding on.

Lifetime guarantee in regards to this autographed baseball which also comes with a COA from Gearhart Enterprises, Inc. Member of the UACC. UACC Registered Dealer #RD189.

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