Hisle, who was used as a designated hitter early during the 1982 season before his shoulder gave out for good that May, could only watch as his teammates clinched the American League pennant and went on to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

For Hisle, the painful memory remains of a doctor's appointment, "And being told that another surgery could possibly eliminate any use of the shoulder. Our team doctor said that he was going to tell the (Brewers) organization that I couldn't play anymore. And I remember those words because it still hurts a little bit to even think about it."

After retiring as a player, Hisle broke into coaching with the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system in the late 1980s and would eventually own two World Series championship rings as the Blue Jays' batting coach in 1992 and 1993.

He returned to the Milwaukee organization as a minor league hitting instructor in 1998 when his former teammate, Cecil Cooper, was directing the Brewers' farm system. After one season, Hisle left the Milwaukee organization and began independently mentoring Milwaukee-area youth.

In 2001, former Brewers President and CEO, Ulice Payne Jr., hired Hisle to his current post with the Brewers.

"He was one of my best hires that I made when I was with the Brewers," said Payne, who said that he offered Hisle the position because, "of the sincerity he shows in trying to touch people less fortunate than he is. He is a hero in my book."

Hisle recalled first meeting with Payne to discuss his new position. "(Ulice) stated that he wanted to hire someone that would go into the community and really be an ambassador for the Milwaukee Brewers (for) kids who possibly would never get the chance to come to Miller Park-go to those kids and do something that would make them smile when they heard the Brewers (name). And that became my official, personal duty-make as many kids, throughout the city, when they hear the name, 'Milwaukee Brewers,' they think of just wonderful experiences."

Today, Hisle spends his time in a variety of locations where people may be in need, including juvenile detention centers, prisons, elderly care centers, boy's and girl's clubs, muscular dystrophy benefits, war veteran's functions, Children's Hospital, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and various churches.

"There are a lot of small churches that focus on specific needs of individuals, like (drug) addictions, that I go to, to help people. Anywhere where there are people that I think I can make an impact, I go. I'm just fortunate that I can give out a little helping hand."

For Hisle, another day brings another list of appointments, places to go and people to see, and he is fully aware that the schedule will not get easier any time soon.

"I know I was chosen to be a professional athlete for more than just playing the game, for more than hitting home runs, or trying to get base hits to win ball games. I was chosen, when I retired, to get out and try to positively affect the lives of as many kids as humanly possible.

"And I know I've got a lot more kids to see, but, I hope that in some small way, a lot of people I have influenced, (or) hopefully said something or did something with those kids to impact their lives in a way that will make them wonderful citizens."