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The March 31st, 1966 Denver Brewers Spring Training game against the Oklahoma City Diamond Kings, which the Brewers won 7-2, gave a tantalizing taste of what just might- the Brewers brain-trust hopes will- be what the future holds. Pretty much every young Brewer who the team is pinning their hopes on for 1966 and beyond had a great game. The team was led by 21-year old Ruben Souffront, who was named Player-of-the-Game after going 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, and an inside-the-park HR. Budding star LF'er, Antonio Puente, 22 years old, went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored and a double. 19-year old shortstop Chad Brown was 2 for 3 with 2 runs driven in and a double. Relative veteran, 25-year old second baseman Tanner Yurek, did not start the game, but came in mid-way through and went 2 for 2 with 1 run scored. Center fielder Zach Banks, all of 23 years old, went 1 for 3, scored 1 run and stole 1 base while being his usual steady self defensively. Armando Cruz, 20-year old fireballing reliever, pitched a solid 1 1/3rd innings, allowing just one harmless hit while striking out 2. 24 year old Bill Roache continued his great spring (0.00 ERA) with 1 2/3rds nearly perfect innings (1 walk) to earn the save. Even 22 year old Manny Castillo, who is not considered much of a prospect, chipped in with a monster HR. And young Pat Rondeau, who took over mid-game in CF, came up with a great defensive play late in the game when the Diamond Kings were threatening to get back into the contest.
Unfortunately, young reliever Zach Barr had his worst outing of the spring. But Brewers management could be seen with big grins on their faces at the end of this one and clearly have high hopes that this is just a taste of better times to come.
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