Texan Cecil Cooper Gets His Chance

Cecil Cooper knew this day would come, but he didn't it expect it to happen like this; taking over a team from his good friend Phil Garner, but as destiny has it, this small town Texan has the chance of a lifetime. Although he was tabbed only as interim manager for the remainder of the season, Cooper has the credentials to deserve the full-time gig.

Cooper, born in Independence, a small town near the Brenham, played 17 years in the big leagues. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1968, but it was with the Milwaukee Brewers were Cooper would make his mark.

From 1977-87, Cooper became a force in the Brewers lineup. He was a five-time All-Star and batted over .300 in his first seven season with the Brewers, including a career high .352 in 1980. Cooper also lead the American League twice in RBI (1980, 1983) and he helped lead the Brewers to the 1982 World Series, the teams last appearance.

Also to his credit, Cooper was three-time Silver Slugger award winner (1980-82) and a two-time Gold Glove winner (1979-80) at first base. Cooper was also a three-time Brewers team MVP (1980, 82-83). Upon his retirement in 1987, Cooper finished his career with a .298 batting average with 241 home runs, 2192 hits and 1125 RBI. In 2002, he was inducted into the Brewers Walk of Fame. Cooper's season high of RBI (126) and hits (219) are still franchise records.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user presson_on