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 leagues began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st round of the 1969 MLB draft. He quickly ascended through the Cardinals' minor league system and made his major league debut in 1970. By the mid-1970s, he had established himself as a dominant relief pitcher.

It was during his tenure with the Cardinals from 1971 to 1977 that Hrabosky truly forged his "Mad Hungarian" persona. Before each pitch, he would turn his back to the batter, walk towards the second base, engage in a furious self-talk, intensely rub the ball between his palms, take a deep breath, pound the ball into his glove, and then spin around to unleash his delivery. This dramatic ritual, coupled with his thick facial hair and the often disheveled hair under his cap, became his trademark, electrifying crowds at Busch Stadium and beyond.

Hrabosky's best season came in 1975 with the Cardinals, when he went 13-3 while posting a 1.66 ERA in 65 appearances. The lefty also saved a league-best 22 games and finished third in the NL Cy Young voting. His intensity on the mound was matched by his effectiveness, as he consistently got crucial outs in high-pressure situations.

Following his successful run in St. Louis, Hrabosky was traded to the Kansas City Royals before the 1978 season. And it was there in KC where he would see his lone postseason action, appearing in three games in the 1978 ALCS against the New York Yankees. Hrabosky spent two seasons in Kansas City before moving on to the Atlanta Braves in 1980, where he would play three seasons before calling it a career. Three years after his retirement, Al began doing color commentary for the Cardinals, a job he's held ever since.