Crew Throwback: Johnny Briggs was a Bright Spot in Early Years

Johnny Briggs was born in New Jersey in 1944. He was signed as an amateur free agent by Philadelphia in 1962. A left-handed hitting outfielder, he reached the big leagues in 1964 after only one minor league season. He was a semi-regular for the Phillies from 1965 through 1970, showing modest power and good on-base skills. But he could never quite breakout as an everyday player - perhaps due to his struggles against left-handers. He spent most of his time in centerfield, but also played right field, left field, and first base.

Early into the 1971 season, Milwaukee acquired Briggs in exchange for Pete Koegel and Ray Peters (neither player would have more than a cup of coffee in the bigs). The deal was an immediate boon for Briggs and Milwaukee. Given the chance to play everyday, the 27-year old Briggs posted his best numbers, including 21 HRs and a .845 OPS.

For four seasons, Briggs would provide a consistent bat in the Brewer lineup, hitting between 17 and 21 HRs each season, and boasting a .358 OBP and a .799 OPS. Both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference have him as roughly a 3.0 WAR player for each of his years as a Brewers.

During his time in Milwaukee, Briggs primarily played left field, but he moved around as needed, getting starts at first base, center field, right field, and designated hitter. 

Some highlights of Briggs career include drawing four walks in a game, driving in six runs in a game (off Nolan Ryan ), and accomplishing the rare feat of having six hits in a nine inning game.

The 1975 season saw Briggs miss a month with an injury. Then, after appearing in only 28 games, he was dealt to the Twins for Bobby Darwin .

After one mediocre season in Minnesota, Briggs saw an opportunity in Japan, and he signed a two year deal with the Lotte Orions. Unfortunately, Briggs became ill from food parasites, and left the team after only 47 games. He would not return to Japan, and when no major league team would guarantee him a roster spot, he elected to retire.

Briggs moved back to his hometown of Patterson, New Jersey, and join the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 2008 as a lieutenant after 25 years. He stayed active in sports by spending more than 20 years as a Paterson recreation supervisor, running baseball leagues and clinics, and counseling kids.

John Briggs spent four years in Milwaukee. These were the early years of the franchise - tough, losing years. Still, he provided a quality bat during the lean times and twice lead the team in OPS. His strong on-base skills are probably more appreciated today than they were back in the early 70s, and thus he never got the accolades he deserved. 

Briggs, a soft-spoken man, said he enjoyed playing in Milwaukee. "Going to Milwaukee," Briggs said in a 2007 interview, "that was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

Please share your memories of former Brewer outfielder Johnny Briggs.