Jim Gantner

James Elmer Gantner (born January 5, 1953) is an American former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1976–92).

Background Gantner was born on January 5, 1953, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and grew up in Eden, Wisconsin. He was one of nine children born to Elmer and Erma Gantner. He attended Campbellsport High School in nearby Campbellsport, where he played both baseball and basketball.

He played his college baseball at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), a small college baseball power in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) at the time. In 2012, Gantner was named to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Baseball All-Time Team. Gantner was in the Brewers' minor league system from 1974-1977. Between 1975 and 1976, playing Double-A baseball, his batting average went from .257 to .293. In 1976, he was called up to the majors for the first time and appeared in 26 games for the Brewers. His first at bat was against rookie-of-the-year phenom Mark "the Bird" Fidrych. He was an All-Star three different times in the minor leagues.

Ganter was best known for his consistent play, which culminated after 17 seasons in a respectable .274 career batting average and .985 fielding percentage at second base (.956 in over 300 games at third base). He comprised a stellar infield throughout much of the 1980s beside Hall of Famers Robin Yount at shortstop and Paul Molitor at third base; and five-time All-Star Cecil Cooper at first base. In 1980, Gantner played more games at third base and Molitor played more games at second based, and in 1982, Molitor played center field and Don Money played third base. The Cooper-Gantner-Yount-Molitor infield ended with Yount moving to the outfield in 1985.

Gantner, or "Gumby" as he was affectionately known because of the way he turned double plays, was the Brewers’ second baseman when they won the American League pennant. the franchise's lone World Series appearance to date (as of 2025), and did not return to the playoffs for 26 years. Gantner hit .333 in the World Series, with four doubles, one triple, and four RBIs. Despite the game being a blowout, he was almost ejected for arguing balls and strikes with the umpire.

In his rookie season, Gantner pinch-ran for Hank Aaron in Aaron's final Major League game on October 3.

Gantner rarely hit home runs (only 47 in a 17 year career). On September 3, , he hit his first home run since 1987, ending a streak of 1,762 at-bats without one. Gantner's last career home run came on August 14, , in the 13th inning, against Boston Red Sox reliever Jeff Reardon. Gantner hit the first pitch into the right field bleachers in Milwaukee County Stadium, giving the Brewers an 8-7 victory.

Legacy and honors He retired in 1994, after having issues with a torn rotator cuff over his final years. His 9.9 defensive WAR is the best in team history. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. Gantner entered his first season as field manager of the Wisconsin Woodchucks in the Northwoods League in 2007, and managed them in 2008 as well.

Personal life He was a silent partner of Hale Park Automotive Services in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He also is employed by the Brewers' organization. Jim also is partial owner of a bar in Eden, Wisconsin, called "Scuds Buds." The bar "Gumby's Pub" in Milwaukee was named for Gantner.

Career statistics

Hitting

He had a career .985 fielding percentage at second base and a .956 fielding percentage at third base, his two primary positions.