Dan Plesac, a 1983 first-round pick, was a durable southpaw and one of the most dominant relievers in franchise history. Though he started with the velocity of a closer, he anchored the bullpen for seven seasons in Cream City.
After a strong rookie year in 1986 with 14 saves and a 2.97 ERA, Plesac achieved remarkable success by earning three consecutive All-Star selections from 1987 to 1989. During this peak, he demonstrated mastery of the American League, posting a 2.41 ERA in 1988 and a career-high 33 saves in 1989. He was a key late-inning reliever and a vital part of the Brewers’ shift to a relief-focused approach.
Plesac recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 30 saves, becoming the first Milwaukee pitcher to do so. He ranked among the top five in saves three times. During the 1991 season, even when tried as a starter, he remained a high-leverage pitcher, setting a career high in strikeouts and proving his left-handed slider was effective in any role. By 1992, he had achieved a historic milestone few relievers of his era could match.
He departed Milwaukee for the Chicago Cubs before the 1992 season. As a Brewer, Plesac compiled a 3.21 ERA, 133 saves, and 452 strikeouts.
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