Jose Valentin arrived in Milwaukee in 1992 as a centerpiece of one of the most significant trades in franchise history, joining the Brewers from the Padres alongside Ricky Bones and Matt Mieske in the blockbuster deal for Gary Sheffield.
After an apprenticeship in the early 90s, Valentin reached a historic high in 1994, finishing ninth in AL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 11 homers in a strike-shortened season. In 1996, he had a remarkable season, hitting 24 homers and driving in 95 runs.
During the late 90s, even as the Brewers moved to the National League, he stayed a key middle infielder, hitting 17 and 16 home runs in 1997 and 1998, and excelling at shortstop. He demonstrated total command of the strike zone, with career highs of 66 walks in 1996 and 63 in 1998.
After the 1998 season, Valentin was dealt to the Chicago White Sox. Valentin compiled 577 hits, 90 home runs, and 343 RBI as a Brewer.
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