Vic Raschi ranks as one of the finest Yankees pitchers during the early 1950's. From 1949 thru 1953, his record was 92-40 averaging over 18 wins per season. As part of the 'Big Three' pitching staff that included Allie Reynolds and Ed Lopat, Raschi won 21 games each year - for three straight years. In 1949, with his blazing fastball he beat Boston on the final day of the season to break a first place tie with the Red Sox and give the Yankees their first of many pennants to come. Raschi won the final game of the World Series vs. the L.A. Dodgers. In 1950, he was 21-8 and pitched a two-hit shutout in the WS opener vs. the Phillies. Raschi was a hard thrower and always threw everything he had into every pitch. After going 21-10 and leading the AL in strikeouts Vic Raschi again won the final WS game in 1951 against the N.Y. Giants. Raschi pitched in four All-Star Games 1948-50 & 1952. In the 1952 World Series he won two more games, striking out 18 Brooklyn Dodgers, while allowing only 3 runs in 17 innings. He started 2 games and came-on in relief in another. In Feb. of 1954, he was sold to the St. Louis Cardinals after contract battles. He retired after one season due to painful knee injuries. Vic Raschi lifetime record was an outstanding 132-66, pct of .667, ERA 3.72. Baseball History |