Drabowsky's early years with the Cubs were marked by a mix of promise and inconsistency. He showed flashes of brilliance, such as when he struck out 17 batters in a single game in 1957, setting a Cubs record at the time. However, he struggled to maintain that level of performance consistently. After several seasons with the Cubs, he was traded to the Milwaukee Braves in 1961, but his time there was short-lived.
In 1962, Drabowsky found himself with the Cincinnati Reds, but it wasn't until he joined the Kansas City Athletics in 1963 that he began to find more stability in his career. His tenure with the Athletics was a turning point, as he transitioned from a starting pitcher to a relief role, which better suited his abilities. This change allowed him to harness his talent more effectively, and he became a reliable option out of the bullpen.
Drabowsky's career took another positive turn when he was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. It was with the Orioles that he achieved some of his most memorable moments. During the 1966 World Series, Drabowsky delivered an outstanding performance in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Coming out of the bullpen, he pitched 6 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out 11 batters and earning the win. This performance was instrumental in the Orioles' eventual sweep of the Dodgers, securing the franchise's first World Series title.
After his success with the Orioles, Drabowsky continued to pitch effectively in relief roles. He had stints with the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals before returning to the Chicago White Sox, where he concluded his playing career in 1972. Throughout his time in the majors, Drabowsky was known not only for his pitching but also for his antics off the field. His sense of humor and penchant for practical jokes made him a beloved figure in the clubhouse.
Moe Drabowsky's career statistics include a win-loss record of 88-105, an earned run average of 3.71, and 55 saves.
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