In the mid-1950s, the Cardinals had a group known as the Polish Falcons; Ray Jablonski, Rip Repulski, and Steve Bilko. Jablonski debuted as the Cards’ regular third baseman in 1953, hitting 21 HR and collecting 112 RBI. He developed an exuberant following, with a large section of Sportsmans Park frequently yelling, “Go-Go Jabbo.” An All-Star in 1954, Jablonski peaked at the plate, hitting .296, but his league-high 34 errors at 3B and .925 FA (worst in the AL for regulars at all positions) made him expendable. Traded to the Reds, he was replaced in St. Louis by rookie Ken Boyer. Jablonski’s glove kept him from further success.
