Baseball History Podcast

Victor John Angelo “Vic” Raschi, nicknamed “The Springfield Rifle” was born March 28, 1919 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Raschi was a big right-handed pitcher known as the Springfield Rifle, in honor of his hometown and his fastball, he was the keystone of one of the most acclaimed pitching staffs in the history of major league baseball. The Big Three of Allie Reynolds, Raschi and Eddie Lopat pitched the Yankees to six World Series championships over eight seasons in the 1940′s and the 1950′s.

Thomas Andrew Brunansky, nicknamed “Bruno”, was born August 20, 1960 in Covina, California. Chosen by his hometown California Angels in the first round of the June 1978 draft, Brunansky exhibited consistent, if unspectacular, power throughout his career. He was known as a durable and solid defensive right fielder with an excellent arm.

Howard Earl Averill, nicknamed “The Earl of Snohomish”, was born May 21, 1902 in Snohomish, Washington. The first American League player to hit a home run in his initial Major League at-bat, Earl Averill became a nimble fielder and outstanding offensive performer during his 13-year playing career, primarily with the Cleveland Indians.

Myron Walter Drabowsky, nicknamed “Moe” was born July 21, 1935 in Ozanna, Poland. He is one of only four players who played for both the Kansas City Athletics and the Royals.