Webster University Head Baseball Coach Bill Kurich recently announced the date for his program's sixth annual Gorlok Baseball Preseason Banquet.
This year's sixth annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2 at Orlando's Event Center on 4300 Hoffmeister Ave., in St. Louis. The doors will open for the event at 6 p.m., with dinner scheduled to be served at 7 p.m.
Kurich said that proceeds from the silent auction and fundraising dinner will be used to benefit the Webster University Baseball program.
In addition to the silent auction and dinner, Kurich also announced that former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and current Cardinals broadcaster Al Hrabosky will be the evening's guest speaker.
Hrabosky, who was nicknamed "The Mad Hungarian" during his 12-year major league playing career, made his major league debut on June 16, 1970 with the St. Louis Cardinals and played with the Cardinals for nearly seven years (1970-77) and also played with the Kansas City Royals (1978-79) and the Atlanta Braves (1980-82). Currently, Hrabosky is a color commentator on Cardinals regular season broadcast on Fox Sports Midwest.
In his career, Hrabosky, who was drafted in first round by the Cardinals in 1969 and made his major debut against the San Diego Padres, posted a 64-35 record and had a 3.10 career ERA. Additionally, he recorded 97 saves and struck out 548 opposing hitters.
Perhaps Hrabosky's best season as a major league pitcher came in 1975 as he led the National League in saves with 22 en route to winning the Sporting NewsNL Fireman of the Year Award.
During his playing career, Hrabosky became a fan favorite for his antics on the mound and also for his appearance as he had long hair and a horseshoe mustache during most of his career playing for the Cardinals.
"We are excited to have someone with the iconic stature of Al Hrabowski available to come speak at our banquet this year," Kurich said. "It should once again for a great night and event for our baseball program."
At the banquet, Kurich will present the 2018 Pitcher, Player and Family of the Year Awards, as well as, provide an outlook for the 2019 season.
