*Brewers sign 1B Bob Hamelin to minor-league contract*

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The Milwaukee Brewers, looking for an insurance policy to back
up first baseman John Jaha, today signed former American League
Rookie of the Year Bob Hamelin to a minor-league contract and
invited him to spring training as a non-roster player. 

The 31-year-old Hamelin, who won the 1994 AL Rookie of the Year
with the Kansas City Royals, was with the Detroit Tigers last
season, hitting .270 with 18 homers and 52 RBI in 110 games
after being called up from the minors. 

"Bob gives us good left-handed depth and power off our bench,"
said Brewers senior vice president of operations Sal Bando.  "He
should be a valuable asset to our club next season." 

Hamelin is a hefty left-handed hitter who is listed as a 6-foot,
235-pounder. Only seven of his appearances last season were at
first base, and he cannot serve as a designated hitter with the
Brewers, since they moved to the National League.  He batted
just .209 in 43 at-bats against left-handers last season but hit
.280 with all but two of his homers against right-handers. 

Jaha, who had a career year in 1996 with 34 homers, 118 RBI and
a .300 average, was limited to 46 games last season due to a
torn labrum in his right shoulder.  He underwent season-ending
surgery last June 17th and is expected to be ready for spring
training.