The Eighth Tribe, 1975 (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1975-09-01 / 9. szám
Page 8 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Szeptember, 1975 DEDICATION OF THE NEW WING OF THE HOME FOR THE AGED, BETHLEN HOME, LIGONIER, PA. As soon as the Cardinal management heard Alston’s picks for the All-Star team, they scheduled a Hrabosky Hbanner Hday. Irate fans hung over 1000 bedsheets in Busch Stadium to show their support for the Mad Hungarian. Reaction to Alston’s snub was very evident with slogans such as “Smog is not the Densest Thing in L.A.” displayed. Hrabosky showed his gratitude by beating the Dodgers that day and again the next day. After his win against the Dodgers, Hrabosky said, “Between the fans and my teammates, they made it the happiest day of my life. This is my All-Star Game, right here.” Despite Hrabosky’s mean reputation, he is a favorite with St. Louis fans, not only because of his baseball ability, but because of his involvement in the community. This year he served as director of both the multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy programs in the St. Louis area. In fact if Hrabosky isn’t careful, he may blow his madman image with his post game activities. The reliefer has worked determinedly to build up his reputation. Rejected by Little League and the school baseball team in Anaheim, California for three years, Hrabosky still plugged away. “I knew I was good,” he said, “but they didn’t recognize it.” Finally his affection for inflicting pain, encouraged by years of football, led to a pitching spot on the Savanna High School baseball team his senior year when his former football coach took over duties as baseball coach. From Anaher », Hrabosky attended Fullerton Junior College. Theo he played ball for the Mexican Pacific League for two seasons. While there Hrabosky earned the name, “Bandido Loco” or “Crazy Bandit” for his hot-tempered and sometimes reckless stunts, such as lighting fire crackers by the dugout. In time Hrabosky showed promise, at least to Fred Koenig, his manager at Arkansas (Texas), and he began his first full professional season for the Cardinals in 1974. Hrabosky says this about Koenig: “Fred taught me the mental things necessary in pitching. He made me the relief pitcher I am today.” These days Hrabosky is more serious about his pitching. Cardinal relief pitcher, Mike Garman says, “A1 has that great charisma. He psychs me up too. We talk all the time in the bull pen about certain hitters and certain game situations. We don’t play word games in the pen. We’re all business out there.” In addition to controlling his pitching, Hrabosky has learned to control his anger. Now he uses his energy to work for him. To explain his unique style, Hrabosky says, “Hate is a good thing, as long as you keep it under control. When it comes out anger, you lose.”
