Moe Drabowsky, 70; Pitcher Helped Baltimore Win ’66 World Series Over Dodgers

Moe Drabowsky, 70, a former pitcher who helped the Baltimore Orioles win the 1966 World Series against the Dodgers, died Saturday at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock of complications from cancer of the bone marrow.

Over a 17-year career, Drabowsky -- whose given first name was Myron -- pitched for eight teams, including the Orioles twice.

His career highlight came in the World Series opener against the Dodgers when he relieved Dave McNally and one-hit Los Angeles for 6 2/3 innings, striking out 11, a series record for a relief pitcher, including six in a row. Drabowsky’s performance in the 5-2 victory set the tone as the Orioles pitchers silenced the heavily favored Dodgers lineup and Baltimore swept the series.

Drabowsky’s pranks were a fact of clubhouse life, whether he was frightening teammates with live snakes or making phony phone calls to the opposing bullpen with fake orders to get pitchers warmed up.

Born in Ozanna, Poland, he escaped the Nazis by coming to the United States with his family when he was 3.

Most recently, Drabowsky had been living in Sarasota, Fla., and until a few weeks ago worked with the Orioles’ young pitchers in Florida.