Jim Gantner, who filled that role for the past two seasons, informed the club last week that he will not return in 1998 because he wants to spend more time with his family.
Family always comes first.
Gantner, a Wisconsin native who will turn 45 next month, spent 17 seasons as an infielder with the Brewers and is one of more popular players in club history. This is a valuable time in the kids' lives and I don't want to miss it. They're only young once and they grow up so fast. I don't want to miss this time with them. Bando expects Gantner to help the team prepare for home games and work with selected players in the farm system.