12. Ben Oglivie

  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: February 11, 1949 in Colon, Co Panama
  • Weight: 160 lbs.
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: September 04, 1971
  • Final Game: October 05, 1986
 
ABRHHRRBISBAVG
11826156832304701802174 0.273
 

From Panama, Ben Oglivie joined the Brewers in late 1977 as part of a trade with the Detroit Tigers, a move that placed a thoughtful, cerebral power hitter into the heart of Milwaukee's emerging order.

In his debut year at the club in 1978, Oglivie showcased his value with a .303 batting average and 142 hits. In 1979, he stepped up further by hitting 29 home runs, demonstrating that his slim build packed unexpected power. This period cemented his role as a reliable professional who could support a lineup alongside rising stars such as Robin Yount and Paul Molitor, offering the veteran leadership essential for a successful team.

During the 1980 campaign, he demonstrated a season of exceptional efficiency. He showcased a complete mastery of American League pitching by hitting a career-high 41 home runs, making him the first non-American-born player to lead the AL in that category. He combined this power with 118 RBIs and earned his first of three consecutive All-Star selections, along with a Silver Slugger Award. At this peak, he was a strategic force in the middle of the lineup, famously capable of hitting both for average and power, delivering clutch production that kept the Brewers competitive in the race for the title.

Despite consistently hitting double-digit home runs into the mid-1980s, his standout season was in 1982, when he hit 34 homers and drove in 102 RBIs, aiding the American League pennant victory. He finished his career with Milwaukee after 1986, leaving a record of 176 home runs and 1,144 hits. His career demonstrates that perseverance and professionalism can lead to the top of the leaderboards, ultimately earning him a permanent place on the Brewers Wall of Honor.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Designated Hitter, Outfield
  • Acquired: Traded from the Detroit Tigers for Rich Folkers and Jim Slaton 12/9/77.
  • Departed: Signed as a Free Agent with the Kintetsu Buffalos in Japan prior to the 1987 season.
  • Games Played: 1149
  • Notable Statistics: 567 Runs Scored
    1,144 Hits
    194 Doubles
    21 Triples
    176 Home Runs
    685 Runs Batted In
    44 Stolen Bases
    .277/.345/.461 Slash Line
    21.5 bWAR

    16 Playoff Games
    5 Runs Scored
    11 Hits
    1 Double
    1 Triple
    2 Home Runs
    3 Runs Batted In
    1 Stolen Base
    .183/.222/.333 Slash Line
  • Major Accolades and Awards: All-Star (1980, 1982 & 1983)
    Silver Slugger (1980)
    Most Home Runs (1980)
    Most Intentional Bases on Balls (1980)
    Most Putouts by a Leftfielder (1982)
    Most Assists by a Leftfielder (1982)

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