In crunch time, this fu-manchu-ed pitcher would walk towards second base, put his head down and meditate for a few seconds. After taking a big breath, he would pound the ball in his glove, spin around, and storm back to the rubber. When Vern Rapp became the Cardinals' manager in 1977 and made him shave, he complained, "How can I intimidate batters if I look like a goddamn golf pro?"
Al HRABOSKY