Induction Video(Written: June 2015)Jim Gantner was instrumental in helping the UW-Oshkosh baseball program achieve success and earn nationwide acclaim. He received All-America honorable mention accolades during both of his seasons at UW-Oshkosh and led the Titans to a third-place finish in 1973 and a fifth-place finish in 1974 at the NAIA World Series.
Following the 1974 season, Gantner signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected him in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.
Gantner spent two years in the minor leagues before being called up to the majors. He was best known for his consistent play, which culminated in a .274 career batting average after 17 major league seasons, all with the Brewers.
Gantner retired from the Brewers in 1992 and currently ranks third with 1,801 games and fourth with 1,696 hits, 726 runs and 38 triples. He concluded his career with a stellar .985 fielding percentage and pinch ran for Hank Aaron following Aaron’s final major league at-bat.
Gantner is a member of the NAIA District 14, UW-Oshkosh and Wisconsin Athletic halls of fame. He was selected to the Brewers Walk of Fame in 2004. In 2012, Gantner was named to the WIAC Baseball All-Time Team in conjunction with the conference’s Centennial Celebration.
He resides in Eden, Wis.