The Milwaukee Brewers’ trade on December 12, 1980, has certainly earned its place in baseball history as one of the most lopsided deals ever. The Brewers sent Sixto Lezcano, Lary Sorensen, Dave LaPoint, and David Green to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, and Pete Vukovich. This trade not only significantly boosted the Brewers’ roster but also had long-lasting effects on the team’s success.
Rollie Fingers, one of the most dominant relievers in MLB history, was with the Brewers for just five seasons, though one of those was marred by injury. His contributions were nothing short of spectacular, especially in 1981 when he won the Cy Young Award and MVP honors. His leadership in the bullpen helped the Brewers become a serious contender in the early 1980s.
Ted Simmons, known as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, had a strong career with the Brewers. He provided solid offensive production for five years, making an All-Star appearance in 1983 and earning recognition in the MVP voting that same year. His impact on the team’s lineup during his tenure was undeniable.
Pete Vukovich, while not a Hall of Famer, was a key part of the Brewers’ pitching staff. His standout performance in 1982 helped the Brewers reach their only World Series, and his dominant pitching earned him back-to-back league-leading Win-Loss Percentages. Vukovich’s contributions to the team’s success during the early 1980s were pivotal.
Looking back, the 1980 trade truly reshaped the Brewers’ franchise, providing a future Hall of Famer in Fingers, a key offensive presence in Simmons, and a solid pitcher in Vukovich, all of whom played integral roles in the team’s success. It’s a trade that remains one of the most iconic in baseball history, and Milwaukee fans continue to celebrate its impact.
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