By the late 1970s, Gantner secured the second base position, providing dependable glove work that helped the Brewers become a dominant team. In 1980, he demonstrated his durability by playing 132 games, batting .282, and showing he could hold his own in a high-powered lineup. This era cemented his reputation as a reliable gap-to-gap hitter capable of advancing runners and playing a steady second base, making him an unsung hero of the "Harvey’s Wallbangers" epoch.
During the historic 1982 American League Pennant run, Gantner achieved a career-high batting average of .295. He played a crucial role in the 1982 World Series team, often batting ninth and acting as a secondary leadoff hitter for Paul Molitor and Robin Yount. His technical skill in the field was also vital; he ended his career with a 9.9 defensive WAR, the highest in franchise history. At his peak, he was a key player in high-pressure situations, notably enduring a legendary at-bat against Joaquin Andujar in the 1982 World Series, exemplifying Milwaukee baseball's blue-collar spirit.
The story in Wisconsin came to an end after he retired after the 1992 season. Gantner compiled 1,696 hits, 726 runs, and a .274 batting average, which earned him a permanent spot in the Brewers Wall of Honor.
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