Player’s Ink: Al Hrabosky
"Relief pitching is 75 percent mental. How am I going to scare hell out of the hitters with my new image? How am I going to convince them I'm a dangerous madman if I look like a golf-pro? I've never been blessed with great ability. My mystique was what made me successful."~ Al Hrabosky, on new Cardinals skipper Vern Rapp implementing a grooming code for his team. In all the years I've watched Major League Baseball, few pitchers have commanded attention quite like Al Hrabosky. Known universally as "The Mad Hungarian," Hrabosky was more than just a left-handed hurler; he was a spectacle, a showman whose fiery mound presence and intense demeanor captivated fans and intimidated hitters throughout his thirteen-year career. His unique wind-up, aggressive stare-downs, and animated celebrations made him a one-of-a-kind personality who left an indelible mark on the game. Born on October 21, 1949, in Oakland, California, Hrabosky's journey to the big league...
