Dairyland Express
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Constructing the best Milwaukee Brewers team of all-time

By Brian Sampson

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 24: Baseball hats with the current logo, left, and retro logo sit on display at Miller Park on April 24, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 24: Baseball hats with the current logo, left, and retro logo sit on display at Miller Park on April 24, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 08: Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts to a base hit in the third inning during game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at American Family Field on October 08, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 08: Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts to a base hit in the third inning during game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at American Family Field on October 08, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee Brewers All-Time Team Bench:

1970 Tommy Harper (3B,2B, OF)

We’ll start this list off with a classic Craig Counsell player in Tommy Harper. Harper can play all over the field and will fill the utility role Counsell and the Brewers love so much–he played third base, second base and outfield during his 1970 season.

He also made the only All-Star appearance of his career that year thanks to hitting .296 with a .377 on-base percentage and a .899 OPS to go along with 31 home runs and 82 RBIs. He brings a little bit of everything to the bench and opens up a lot of possibilities with in-game moves.

2018 Lorenzo Cain (outfield)

Cain is mostly a defensive addition to this unit, considering there are a couple of guys who struggle in that department in the starting lineup. He excels in center field, but can slide over to either corner if needed. He had the best defensive season of his Brewers’ career in 2018 when he also hit .308 with a .395 on-base percentage. He’ll be a solid late-innings addition for the defense.

1979 Sixto Lezcano (outfield)

With one defensive-oriented outfielder on the bench, we go with an offensive-minded one for the second outfield position. In 1979, Lezcano hit .329 with a .414 on-base percentage and a .987 OPS–all career-highs. He also drilled 28 home runs for 101 RBIs.

1996 Jose Valentin (shortstop/third base)

Getting some infield help now, Jose Valentin is a solid addition to the Brewers’ bench. He can play either position on the left side of the infield and even fill in at second base when necessary. The 1996 version of Valentin hit .259 with a .336 on-base percentage to go along with 24 home runs and 95 RBIs. He also produced the sixth-highest defensive WAR (wins above replacement) that year which explains his role on the team.

2008 J.J. Hardy (shortstop)

Speaking of defense, Hardy can provide both a defensive and offensive punch from the shortstop position. He had a big arm and soft hands to handle any ground ball up the middle. 2008 was also his best season at the plate when he hit .283 with a .343 on-base percentage and a .478 slugging percentage.

1983 Ted Simmons (catcher)

Finally, we need a backup catcher. Simmons is a solid mix of a catcher who can do a little bit of everything both behind the plate and at the plate. Although he only had 13 home runs in 1983, he racked up 108 RBIs as well as a .308 average and a .351 on-base percentage. He also made the All-Star game this season.

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