Victor "Vic" Raschi - Springfield, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 04.830 W 072° 33.716
18T E 701666 N 4661590
A bronze plaque in honor of former New York Yankee pitching star and Springfield native Vic Raschi is located at the Walker Grandstand in Forest Park.
Waymark Code: WMF6DT
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/30/2012
Views: 2
Victor John Angelo Raschi "Vic" Raschi was born in West Springfield, MA on March 28, 1919 and attended Springfield Technical High School. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, the big, 6'1" 205 lb., right hander began his 10 year career in the Major Leagues. He joined the pitching staff of the New York Yankees. His first appearance was on September 23, 1946. Soon he became a mainstay of the New York Yankees pitching staff; joining the rotation as part of the "big 3" with Allie Reynolds and Ed Lopat. Together they lead the Yankees to the 1947 World Series followed by five consecutive World Series Championships from 1949 - 1953.
A blazing fastball and his hometown origin earned him the nickname the Springfield Rifle. Vic Rashi was also a better than average hitter for a pitcher. He has .184 career batting average, and on August 3, 1953, he batted in 7 runs in one game - an American League record for pitchers.
Near the end of his career he played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Athletics. He finished his baseball career with 132 wins, 66 losses and a .667 winning percentage. He died in Groveland, NY on October 14, 1988.
In June 2012 Springfield honored their native son by placing a plaque on the rear facade of the Walker Grandstand in Forest Park Springfield MA. The plaque is inscribed:
VICTOR "VIC" RASCHI
3/28/1919 - 10/14/1988
The Springfield Rifle
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The Big "3"
Raschi / Reynolds / Lopat
N.Y. Yankees
6 World Series Championships
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Tech High School
U.S.Army Air Force
William and Mary College