Al Hrabosky

Infobox MLB retired
bgcolor1=#c41e3a
bgcolor2=#c41e3a
textcolor1=white
textcolor2=white
name=Al Hrabosky
position=Pitcher


bats=Right
throws=Left
birthdate=birth date and age|1949|7|21
city-state|Oakland|California
debutdate=June 16
debutyear=1970
debutteam=St. Louis Cardinals
finaldate=August 18
finalyear=1982
finalteam=Atlanta Braves
stat1label=Saves
stat1value=97
stat2label=ERA
stat2value=3.10
stat3label=WHIP
stat3value=1.29
teams=
*St. Louis Cardinals (1970-1977)
*Kansas City Royals (1978-1979)
*Atlanta Braves (1980-1982)
highlights=
*Led the Major Leagues in saves (22) and win-loss percentage (81.3%) in 1975 [cite web|title=Al Hrabosky Statistics|url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/hraboal01.shtml|accessdate=2007-02-04]

Alan Thomas (Al) Hrabosky (pronEng|hɹəˈbɔski; born July 21, 1949 in Oakland, California), nicknamed the Mad Hungarian due to his Hungarian descent and colorful character, was a Major League Baseball player from by|1970-by|1982 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves and is currently the color commentator on Cardinals regular season broadcasts on FSN Midwest.

Playing career

Hrabosky was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round of the by|1967 amateur draft, but did not sign with the club. Two years later the Cardinals made him their first round choice. Within a year, at the age of 20, he made his major league debut, pitching a scoreless inning against the San Diego Padres. During his time with the Cardinals, Hrabosky became a fan favorite for his antics on the mound. Between each pitch he would turn his back to the batter, walk towards second base, vigorously rub the ball between his hands several times, take a deep breath, and pound the ball into his mitt. He would then storm back to the mound, staring down the batter. Although the crowd would roar in delight, most batters were not fond of the pitcher's routine and during one such incident a brawl was initiated. Arguably, his best year was 1975 when he led the National League in saves with 22 (a career best) en route to winning the Sporting News NL Fireman of the Year award. After eight seasons in St. Louis, the Cardinals traded Hrabosky to the Kansas City Royals. Following just two years with the Royals, he was released and signed with the Atlanta Braves. During his time with the Braves he saw diminished playing time and recorded just seven saves over three seasons. Hrabosky signed with the Chicago White Sox during Spring Training in by|1983 but retired before the season began. In 13 seasons he recorded 64 wins, 35 losses, and 97 saves with an ERA of 3.10.

Early in his career with the Cardinals, Hrabosky enhanced his menacing appearance with long hair and a Fu Manchu mustache. However, when Vern Rapp became the Cardinals manager in 1977, Hrabosky had to cut his hair and shave the mustache.

Broadcasting career

Following his playing career, Hrabosky made a smooth transition into the world of broadcasting. He has provided color commentary for Cardinals games since by|1985 and has been with Fox Sports Midwest since by|1997. Hrabosky also hosted his own radio show on KFNS 590AM in St. Louis.

ee also

* List of Major League Baseball saves champions

References

External links

* [http://www.alhrabosky.com Official website]
*