The St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday that Édgar Rentería, Al Hrabosky and the late Walt Jocketty will be inducted into its team Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Sept. 6.
Rentería was voted in by the fans during an eight-week poll. Hrabosky was selected by a Red Ribbon Committee, which is comprised of 12 baseball experts. Jocketty, who passed away last week after a prolonged illness, was an organizational selection as an important figure in St. Louis baseball history.
“We take great pride in the selection process we use for electing new members of the Cardinals Hall of Fame,” Bill DeWitt Jr., Cardinals chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “I’d like to thank our fans as well as the Red Ribbon Committee who cast their votes for this year’s induction class. Congratulations to Édgar Rentería, Al Hrabosky, and the late Walt Jocketty on this tremendous honor. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these players during our induction ceremony in September.”
Hrabosky became one of baseball’s best relievers pitching for the Cardinals from 1970-1977. He was the 1975 National League Fireman of the Year, given to the league’s best reliever, and finished third in Cy Young Award balloting after tallying a league-high 22 saves with 13 wins and a 1.66 ERA. Hrabosky ranks sixth in Cardinals history with 182 games finished, ninth with 59 saves (since 1969) and 12th with 329 games pitched.
Perhaps Hrabosky is best known for his antics on the mound. Known as “The Mad Hungarian,” he sported a Fu Manchu mustache and long hair and was colorful on the mound. He has been a TV/radio analyst and ambassador for the organization since 1985.
Rentería, Hrabosky and Jocketty will make up the 11th class into the team’s Hall of Fame. They will join 55 other former players, managers and executives who made their mark on the Cardinals franchise.
Via MLB News.
