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Al Hrabosky

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Drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1969 as their number-one pick, Al Hrabosky became known as one of the most dominant relievers of the 1970s. Following his successful baseball career, he began working as a commentator on Cardinals telecasts in 1985 where he still thrives 39 years later.

Al Hrabosky was drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals in 1969 as their number one pick and made his MLB debut on June 16, 1970. A blazing fastball -- used 90 percent of the time -- made Hrabosky one of the most effective relievers of the 1970s. His best year was 1975 when he led the National League in saves which lead to him winning the “NL Fireman of the Year” award, recognizing the reliever with the most combined saves and wins in each league. He had 13 wins, only 3 loses, a 1.67 era, and 22 saves.

In December 1977 Hrabosky was traded to the Royals for reliever Mark Littel and 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.

In 1985 Al began a new career as a commentator on Cardinals telecasts. He worked for WB11, Prime, and Sportstime cable. This year, 2017, marks his 32nd season as a broadcaster and his 21st straight season on FSN Midwest.

Hrabosky was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in February 2003. Away from the booth, he is very active in community service and with many charities, including St. Louis Zoo and Angel Arms, and in FOX Sports Midwest’s work with The Mission Continues. He and his wife, June, reside in St. Louis.

Al's Career

Al played for three Major League Baseball teams before becoming an award-winning broadcaster for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Achievements

  • 1969 Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as their #1 pick.
  • 1969 Posted back-to-back 17-strikeout games.
  • 1975 Named 1975 National League Fireman of the Year by posting a 13-3 record with league-high 22 saves and a 1.67 ERA with the Cardinals.
  • 1975 Unanimous NL Pitcher-of-the-Month in July 1975.
  • 1976 Awarded Rolaids Relief Man for St. Louis Cardinals.
  • 1978 Member of the Kansas City Royals 1978 American League Western Division championship team.
  • 1978 Awarded Rolaids Relief Man for Kansas City Royals.
  • 1979 Awarded Rolaids Relief Man for Kansas City Royals.
  • 1982 Member of the Atlanta Braves 1982 American League Western Division championship team.
  • 1982 Has one of the all-time best winning percentages for a relief pitcher.
  • 1985 Hired as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals broadcasting team.
  • 2007 Received the title Hungarian Ambassador to Baseball from the Hungarian Ambassador to the United States.
  • 2022 Recipient of the Jack Buck Media Award Recipient ​“For his service to Baseball as a distinguished Member of the St. Louis Media whose work embodies the principles of Hall of Fame Legend, Jack Buck”.
  • Received the Ambassador's Award for Sports Diplomacy from the American Embassy in Hungary.