Vic made his major league debut in 1946 for the Yankees and pitched for them during the next 8 seasons. He finished his career with 2 seasons split between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Athletics. His time with the Cardinals and the Athletics is somewhat forgettable, although he did give up Hank Aaron's first career home run while pitching for St. Louis.
During his time in New York; however, Vic was a star pitcher for a team that won five straight World Championships. Raschi averaged more than 20 victories between 1948 and 1951 and was a 4 time All-Star (1948, 1949, 1950, and 1952). In 1951 Raschi didn't make the All-Star team, but he did lead the American League in strikeouts that season.
I picked up this 1950 Bowman rookie card of Vic Raschi as part of a 5 card lot in an auction at my local card shop, The Batter's Box, on Saturday, January 2nd.
For the 5 card lot I paid $5.50. This card was the main reason I purchased the lot.
Let me know, prior to reading this had you ever heard of Vic Raschi?
I couldn't really have told you anything about him but I had heard of Vic Raschi. Other than Don Larsen and Whitey Ford, Yankees pitchers seem less prominent the their position players. Tell someone to names Yankees, particularly of yesteryear and who do you get?--Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Dimaggio, Maris. You probably don't get Lefty Gomez or Red Ruffing-- or Vic Raschi.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point and Don Larsen wasn't a great pitcher, he just pitched a great game.
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