Testimonials

I had the honor of meeting him in 2015.  Great Cardinal who deserves to be in the Hall.

James Schmieder, Fan

Al has been the consummate Cardinals Ambassador for decades. He travels to schools with Fredbird and welcomes the opportunity to support worthy missions to enrich the lives of those in need in the St. Louis community. I have seen him walk through the crowds at the stadium where he is hailed as a friend by many and he always stops and shakes the hand of everyone, enriching their experience of having come to the game. Steadfast and loyal, how could he not be in the HOF?

Michael Jamieson, Fan

I loved watching Al pitch in the '70s. So dominant & enjoyed his routine behind the mound. To then be a broadcaster for so many years for the Cardinals how can you deny him a red jacket? Best of luck Al. So deserving.

Keith Umland, Fan

Al is a customer in our store, always so generous with his time. We had a teammate in need, Al heard about him and wanted to help. He donated some signed Stan Musial collectibles we could auction off to raise money. Such a thoughtful thing to do!

Lisa Leguet, Fan
Testimonial – Judy Crowell

Al is 100% deserving of this honor...on the field, in the booth, and as a warm-hearted contributor to the welfare of St. Louisans in so many public and private ways.

Judy Crowell, Fan

Has been a part of Cardinal Nation for over 40 yrs. I can't think of a more deserving person.

Woody Wilson, Fan

Win or lose I've always been a Cardinals fan.  And of all the great players that have come and gone Al Hrabosky is one of the names I'll never forget.

Gary Johnson, Fan

Hey, all I ever wanted was to be on the NY Yankees when I was younger. Al is the only other guy, from another team, that I wanted to be like or traded to the Yankees. I can not believe that the second-winningest team in history has not seen the light and put this man where he belongs. The Mad Hungarian exemplified baseball; the American dream. What a travesty if it doesn’t happen.

Charles “Chuck” Harple, Fan

Al Hrabosky, truly a dominant Cardinal player in the '70s, was the fiery spirit of those teams.  One of the first "bullpen closers" who distinguished himself as the best in MLB for many years.  He paved the way for many relievers in the Cardinal organization.  Before Sutter, Isringhausen, Lee Smith, and many others, there was the Mad Hungarian.  His grit and competitive determination on the mound transformed into becoming one of the best representatives for the Cardinals.  Al is a CLASS ACT.  His contributions to the Cardinal Community whether it is in participating in the Cardinal Caravans, talking to school children, visiting with sponsors, or just stopping to give a fan an autograph or a "hello", demonstrate the true heart and soul of Al Hrabosky.  He is a Cardinal through and through and deserves to be in the Cardinal HOF.  He was the "best" at his craft while on the field and has lived his life representing the Cardinals with nothing but "Class" off the field.

Richard Albair,

I have enjoyed watching the Mad Hungarian since the beginning of his career with the Cardinals in 1970. Now I enjoy listening to him as a commentator for the Cardinals. He knows his baseball! As with his baseball pitching, he also commands respect while being a commentator. I remember meeting Al for the first time at a spring training game in Jupiter. What a treat it was to have my picture with The Mad Hungarian! He definitely deserves to be a member of the Red Jacket Club!

Jody Harrison, Fan

Class act!  Met Al in San Francisco at the luggage carousel.   What a class act!   Loved meeting and chatting with him so much I didn’t even think to take a photo or ask for an autograph!  Al should be wearing the red jacket ASAP, please!   We are St Louisans!   Just crossed paths by accident.   Love AL!

Mary Ann Braun, Fan

Though I am a die-hard Cubs fan even I know that Al should be in the Cardinals Hall of Fame.  He epitomizes what a Cards player and supporter are supposed to be, both during his on-field play and his off-field time.

Ron Phaup, Cubs Fan

Al was a great pitcher and a wonderful person that was respected by his teammates. I had the honor of being his athletic trainer for many years. He always answered the bell when called upon. He deserves the Honor of being in the Cardinal HOF and a Red Jacket.

Gene Gieselmann, Former Cardinals Trainer

Al has done countless memorable experiences for myself & my family. Especially for our cousin Jane Yontz for her 75th birthday with a personal appearance, his signed baseball cards, his Bobbleheads & he took time for photos with each of us.

Al is a true inspiration to all of us. His broadcasting & knowledge of baseball is profoundly appreciated.

I remain forever grateful for his kindness ❤

Pam Kraigher, Fan

I have known Al for over 25 years. I can attest to the fact that he is one of the most honest, caring individuals I have ever met.

His baseball accomplishments are known to all, but his character traits are what make him stand out within the ranks of baseball alums.

Being a lifelong Cardinal fan, it is easy for me to recognize those former players who have always been totally dedicated to upholding the values which represent the Cardinal organization. Al certainly stands out in that respect. He's always been a model member of the Cardinal organization. He bleeds "Cardinal red."

He is certainly worthy of being in the Cardinal Hall of Fame.

Tom Sarsfield, Friend & Fan

I’ve known Al for over 30 years and as badass, as he was on the mound, he has the biggest heart you could ever find in a person. No one deserves a Red Jacket more and he would wear it well…just don’t dig in too hard on him when you present it!

John Sanders, Friend

I have been a Cardinals fan since 1952.  Al has been one of the highlights of so many of those years and has done it in so many ways.  I can still see him psyching himself up behind the mound as he did before so many pitches. I can't believe he doesn't already have a red jacket.

Thomas Snell, Fan

Before I had met Al, back when TELEVISION and the RADIO-RULED SPORTS, hearing Al’s name, nickname, etc would grab my attention! What a colorful personality to have in your own community.
He has been a visual impact on our radar, and sports in St. Louis for so many wonderful years.  I was driving to get my Rx at Lindbergh Schnucks, paused at the light on Clayton Rd, when there is Al, turning onto eastbound Clayton, making me feel as if I saw an old friend.
I am a transplant from the East Coast, where Yogi resided in my neighborhood. I never saw him.
But Al, it’s all in the Cards, as it were!

Maggie Montray, Fan

Al is a total CLASS ACT when it comes to speaking! He gave a speech to my son and a friend in Milwaukee 10 years ago and wow   I wish I would have recorded it!! He LOVES THE CARDINALS!!!

Doug Thomas, Fan

This is a no-brainer as a baseball fan from the 1970s and 1980's Al was a dominant reliever and added a flavor to the game that is sorely missed in today's corporate world of baseball.  As a former Senior Associate Athletic Director in the athletic department at the University of Missouri and Director of Athletics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I can vouch for his status as one of the all-time favorite Cardinals to don the Uniform.  Finally, as a former minor league farmhand with the Detroit Tigers, I would say players know greatness and Al certainly exhibited that during his career.  I am sure all of Cardinal Nation would approve and appreciate his induction.

Mario Moccia, Director of Athletics, New Mexico State University

I worked with Al while working as a coordinating producer for the Cardinals Television Network from 1988-1996.  Al is the personification of the Cardinals Nation.  A fan favorite, a tireless promoter, a steady and respected broadcaster, and a damn good pitcher. He never says no to any request that helps the organization - elementary school program host, Cardinals Fantasy Camp commissioner/co-founder, Cardinal Ambassador, and Cardinal through and through.  A red jacket for Al is well deserved for his 50 years as a treasured part of the Cardinal family. Let's do it!

Mike Stewart, Cardinals Television Network

Al was a guy who always made the game exciting, usually, he would get the job done but even if he didn’t you never felt cheated. You knew he was going behind the mound to get his mindset, smack the glove, whirl around and deliver the evilest stare the batter had ever seen. He then would throw like he was trying to knock down a brick wall. The Hungarian was always ready to save the day and you knew you would get his best effort. Put a red jacket on Hrabosky!

Richard Johnson, Fan

Over the years I was a fan watching Al give it his all while playing for the Cardinals.  I then listened to a broadcast by Al and enjoyed his performance.  Then seeing him become an Ambassador for the Cardinals by supporting youth development and charities throughout the St. Louis region.  I have come to know the family and consider Al to be very deserving of this great honor.

Dave Birkenmeier, Fan

I met Al and his wife while shopping.  He was gracious with his time and was an ambassador for the St Louis Cardinals.  He is the mainstay on game broadcasts.  I was surprised that he was not already in the Cardinal's HOF.

Tim Bosch, Fan

He was dominant, colorful, a fan favorite, and a maniac.  He was also a top-25 pitcher for the Cardinals according to a number of sources, including Bleacher Report.

From B/R a few years ago:

"Al Hrabosky

Perhaps not the most dominant Cardinal pitcher of all time, The Mad Hungarian is certainly one of the most colorful and memorable. Sporting an oversized Fu Manchu and long hair, Hrabosky was known for manically stomping the back of the mound to work himself into a frenzy. He kept hitters off-balance for 13 seasons, the first eight with St. Louis. In 1975, he went 13-3 along with 22 saves and a 1.66 ERA.

He is currently the Cardinals color commentator for regular season games, and he owns Al Hrabosky's Ballpark Saloon across the street from Busch Stadium."

William Britt, Fan
Testimonial – John Tirpak

Al, as a player, displayed excellence and showmanship as a premier player. He carried that forward to his broadcasting career for the Cardinals. His dedication to the St. Louis Cardinals, their brand, community relations, and the fans clearly warrant entrance to the Cardinals HOF. He has spent nearly 50-plus years promoting the Cardinals Organization. The number of fans his playing career, broadcasting career and walkabouts in the stadium, posing for pictures, and signing baseball cards spans decades. He has earned and deserves the "Red Jacket".

I've known Al for 40 years, as a player, broadcaster friend, and golfing buddy. There is no better person, family man, friend, or Ambassador for the Cardinals

John Tirpak, Cardinals Fantasy Camp Participant
Testimonial – Fan

We mailed Mr. Hrabosky a rookie card asking him to sign it and in return, he not only signed that card but gave us signed baseball cards for each team he had played with.  Thank you.

Matthew Godbout, Vienna, Virginia, USA