ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ

“You know, I take all these pictures with people, and for the first time in my life, I smile,� Al Hrabosky said. “I was always known for never smiling. I can't help it now, I just can't help it. And it makes you feel good when people talk about my playing career or tell a story.�

Here’s a story. A young ballplayer arrives in St. Louis at 20. No one can say his name. He pitches with passion. Fury? Soon, that name is a household name. In 1974, the reliever is fifth in Cy Young voting. In 1975, he’s third (13-3, 1.66 ERA, 22 saves, 97 1/3 innings, all out of the bullpen). Traded to the Royals. Then joins the Braves. But St. Louis, that is where, well, he made his name. Retired, he moves back. Raises a family. Starts doing some Cardinals broadcasting. For 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, now 40 years. He becomes a Cardinals ambassador. He becomes a celebrity in St. Louis sports culture. He becomes … a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.

“He’s been here a long time — everybody knows who the Mad Hungarian is,� said former Cardinals pitcher Danny Cox, who pitched on the National League champs in 1985 and 1987 and still lives in the area. “Not only is he great as an alumni, but he's great to (young) guys coming up, guys who have been here in the past — and fans. He does so many events and emceed events throughout the whole city of St Louis and surrounding areas. I mean, for him to be in the Hall of Fame, it’s absolutely earned.�

On Saturday, Hrabosky got his red jacket. He was enshrined in the Cardinals Hall of Fame, along with former shortstop Edgar Renteria, who tallied three All-Star Games and two Gold Gloves in six St. Louis seasons, and the late executive Walt Jocketty, who rejuvenated the Redbirds in the mid-1990s, wooed Mark McGwire to town and built the powerhouse teams of the early-to-mid 2000s, including the world champs in 2006.

But for Hrabosky, 76, this Hall of Fame honor isn’t only because of his years on the mound (or behind it, where he’d first fire himself up to fire fastballs), but also because of his years after. It’s in essence a lifetime achievement award — and he’s one of few men who have devoted their adulthood to the St. Louis Cardinals — and done so with class and charisma.

“Hopefully I'm worthy of being up there with the red jackets — it means everything to me,� Hrabosky said. “I'm proud of my career, and to have the honor to be part of the broadcast team for 40-plus years, and to just witness so many great players and be around them. …

“And I treat the ambassadorship as truly an honor. I'm so proud of the Cardinal organization and what it's done for me. But, you know, it's all about the fans. And anytime I can give back to the fans, I just thoroughly enjoyed being part of their experience.�

You can call him Al. But many refer to him as The Mad Hungarian or Hungo. Alan Thomas Hrabosky became so famous around here, some people don’t call it a “Fu Manchu,� but instead an “Al Hrabosky mustache.� Imagine being that famous in any town. Of course, Al Hrabosky’s Al Hrabosky mustache, once dark and intimidating, is now gray and — who am I kidding? — still intimidating.

Now, one of the coolest things about Hrabosky is that he cares about the Cardinals. Genuinely. Authentically. Al’s all in. And thus, as he explained, “I’ve just fed off the energy of the Cardinal fans. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ were a big part of my success, and I thoroughly have enjoyed every minute as an ambassador. I get to go to the ballpark every day, your ego gets fed. You get to go where you used to pitch. And the best part is — my ERA doesn't go up any more.â€�

Over the decades — generations, really — he’s met so many St. Louis people. Infants to elderly. Lifers to transplants. Carpenters to Chris Carpenter. And Hrabosky has a special pride for the troops. Red, one would surmise, is his favorite color, but white and blue must be right up there, too. The annual 'This One's for You' game broadcast was always a beautiful homage to the men and women who serve — and Hrabosky would provide the perfect touch to it.

And over the years, Hrabosky has cherished his encounters with courageous kids.

“I got a text last night from a friend,� Hrabosky said. “He had brought his son's friend, who was one of the longest living cystic fibrosis patients. Said that I made his day, just going down and seeing him during batting practice, and seeing his son. The kid has since passed away, but just how much that meant to the family. And you hear those stories all the time, and it takes you back.�

Hrabosky finished his eight-year Cardinal career with a 40-20 record and a 2.93 ERA. He pitched in 329 games, starting just one. And he logged 451 1/3 innings, back in the days when relievers were seldom relieved.

He and his wife still live in St. Louis. He has two daughters. Six grandchildren. And now, his life’s work for the St. Louis Cardinals will be remembered long after his life.

“(Family members) can walk down that street, see the Hall of Fame and the Maryville Walk of Fame and the plaque there (in Ballpark Village),� Hrabosky said. “They can go over and see the museum. So that is special.�