The cousin of former major-league shortstop Rafael Belliard, Ron's steady hands and solid bat earned him a shot as Milwaukee's everyday second baseman when incombent Fernando Vina went down with an injured left knee in May 1999. Belliard responded with a fine campaign that earned him consideration for Rookie of the Year honors and prompted the Brewers to trade Vina to St. Louis in December. (JGR)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 1, 1999: The Brewers defeat the Cubs, 19-12, as SS Jose Valentin hits 2-run home runs from each side of the plate. 2B Ron Belliard and C Dave Nilsson each get four hits for Milwaukee, while Belliard drives home five runs. The Brewer light up Steve Trachsel for 10 runs in 3.2 innings pitched, hanging his National League high 11th loss on him. The Brew Crew collects 21 hits for the 2nd times in three nights. There are eight homers in the game, including a pair by Cubs Mickey Morandini. Not homering after four straight games in which he went deep is Sammy Sosa, who singles twice.
»April 28, 2000: The Astros whitewash the Brewers, 7-0, behind Chris Holt's 1-hitter. Ron Belliard's single is the only Milwaukee hit.
»September 2, 2002:
The Cubs beat the Brewers, 17–4, to salvage a split in their doubleheader after Milwaukee takes the opener by a score of 4–2 on solo homers by Ron Belliard (2), Eric Young and Jose Hernandez. Glendon Rusch wins his 8th straight over the Cubs. Chicago P Kerry Wood ties a major-league record in the second game by fanning four Brewers in the 4th inning. Wood also homers off Andrew Lorraine, one of five gophers he serves up. Another is Sammy Sosa's 494th homer, moving him ahead of Lou Gehrig on the all-time list.
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