A blazing fastball, used 90 percent of the time, made Hrabosky one of the most effective relievers of the 1970s. The chunky southpaw’s nickname, The Mad Hungarian, came from his nationality, Fu Manchu mustache and long hair, and angry stomping to the back of the mound to psych himself up. He was TSN NL Fireman of the Year in 1975 with St. Louis (13-3, 1.67, 22 saves). When he wasn’t selected to the All-Star team in 1974, St. Louis fans rallied behind him, honoring him with a “We Hlove Hrabosky Hbanner Hday.” Traded in December 1977 to the Royals for reliever Mark Littell, in 1979 he signed a multi-million-dollar contract with the Braves via free agency, but recorded only 7 of his lifetime 97 saves with Atlanta. He became a Cardinal broadcaster.
