
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 15, 1994                   TAG: 9412150051
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

`MAD HUNGARIAN' ON BANQUET MENU

Al Hrabosky, the former major-league relief pitcher known as ``The Mad Hungarian,'' will be the speaker for the fourth Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Induction banquet Feb.5 at the Salem Civic Center.

Hrabosky was the first relief pitcher to use the look of a ``wild man'' to try to intimidate opposing hitters. He wore a scowl and facial hair to project an air of invincibility on the mound.

He was quite a pitcher as well. He was National League Fireman of the Year in 1975, when he saved 22 games in 65 appearances with an earned run average of 1.67 for St.Louis.

Hrabosky moved to the American League three years later, and in two seasons with Kansas City, he won 17 games and saved 21. He finished his career with Atlanta in 1982.

Hrabosky had a career won-lost record of 64-35 with 97 saves. He had a career ERA of 3.11. Hrabosky, 45, became a baseball broadcaster after retiring.

The inductees for this year's banquet will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the banquet are on sale at the Salem Civic Center and from any of the Hall of Fame board members.

by CNB