Jeromy Burnitz joined Milwaukee in late 1996, a former first-round draft pick who faced difficulties establishing himself in New York and Cleveland. The transaction that sent him to the Brewers in exchange for Kevin Seitzer is regarded as one of the most advantageous trades in franchise history, as Burnitz promptly became the central force of the Milwaukee offense.
After establishing his footing in late 1996, Burnitz reached a peak in 1997, contributing to a season that included 27 home runs and a career-high 20 stolen bases. He demonstrated comprehensive dominance within the American League during that summer, ranking within the top ten for slugging percentage and triples. Additionally, he became the first player in Brewers history to hit a home run in five consecutive games, exemplifying the essential catalyst for a lineup preparing for its notable transition to the National League.
Between 1998 and 2001, he had four consecutive seasons with at least 30 home runs, becoming only the second player in franchise history to reach that summit after Gorman Thomas. In 1998, he reached a career high in run production, with 38 home runs and 125 RBIs, finishing in the top ten in both categories. He attained a new level of individual recognition in 1999, earning his first All-Star selection and notably finishing as the runner-up in the Home Run Derby at Fenway Park. He was a consistent professional figure who appeared to set a historic milestone each summer, including hitting the first-ever ball into the upper deck in right field at Houston’s Enron Field in 2000.
With Milwaukee, Burnitz had 165 Home Runs, 714 Hits with a .258 Batting Average.
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