Craig Koplien: Weather or Not

"Robin Chasing, Long Run, He's Got It!"

Story Created: Apr 16, 2008

Story Updated: Apr 16, 2008

"Robin Chasing, Long Run, He's Got It!"

Craig Koplien

email:  ckoplien@todaystmj4.com

My favorite game in Milwaukee Brewers history is Easter Sunday, 1987.

That was the day that Rob Deer hit a 3-run, game-tying home run in the bottom on the 9th...and two batters later...Dale Sveum hit a game-winning, 2-run homer.  That win was the Brewers 12th in a row to start the season.


In contention for 2nd place on my list is the game that occurred a few nights earlier.  The 9th victory in the streak, that ended after 13 consecutive wins, was Juan Nieves' no-hitter.  Yesterday was the 21st anniversary of the night that Nieves made history in Baltimore.


Nieves was effectively wild that chilly night versus the Orioles as he walked 5.  However he struck out 7, and most important, didn't give up a hit to anyone.


There were some nice defensive plays behind Nieves.  Little-used Jim Paciorek made a diving catch in left field early in the game...and Dale Sveum knocked down a one-hop rocket hit up the middle, preventing it from making it into center field.

However, the discussion about defense in the game begins and ends with Robin Yount.  Robin robbed Eddie Murray of an extra base hit, and saved the no-hitter, with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth.  Murray hit a shot into the right-center field gap on which Yount made a diving catch.

I was in my dorm room at UW-Madison that night watching the game.  I can't describe the excitement I felt after Robin hit the ground, stopped sliding, and I realized he had hung on.  It was the first no-hitter in Brewers history...and still the only one.

Sadly, Nieves ended up with arm trouble over the next few seasons and never realized the huge potential he flashed as a youngster.  He arrived in Milwaukee in 1986, then never threw another pitch after the 1988 season.


He is currently the Bullpen Coach for the Chicago White Sox.




Good memories.  Thanks Juan.

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