Milwaukee’s Best, Part 1: The 50 Best To Play For Braves, Brewers: 50-41

Ellie Rodriguez, as shown on a 1973 Topps baseball card.

49. Ellie Rodriguez, C

Brewers 1971-73

Ellie Rodriguez was acquired by the Brewers in February 1971, when Milwaukee sent catcher-outfielder Carl Taylor to the Kansas City Royals to get the 24-year-old catcher who had been an All-Star in Kansas City’s inaugural season in 1969.

Rodriguez made a return to the Midsummer Classic as a Brewer in his second season, when he hit .285/.382/.352 in 116 games, with two homers and 35 RBI.

Originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Kansas City Athletics in 1964 out of Puerto Rico, Rodriguez was drafted by the New York Yankees in December of that year and debuted with the Yankees in May 1968.

An expansion draft pick by the Royals in October 1968, Rodriguez was part of a trade with the California Angels in October 1973 that brought outfielder Ken Berry, catcher Art Kusnyer, left-handers Steve Barber and Clyde Wright and cash to the Brewers in exchange for outfielders Ollie Brown and Joe Lahoud, right-hander Skip Lockwood and lefty Gary Ryerson.

Rodriguez last played in the majors in 1976 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but continued his career in the Mexican League until 1982.

According to the Baseball-Reference.com Bullpen, Rodriguez is now a consultant with the independent Atlantic League.

Here are his stats for his three seasons with the Brewers:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/16/2015.

Next: 48. A Free Agent Delivers For The Crew