National Polish American Sports HOF

Born #OTD, @NPASHF inductee Joe Niekro would go on to a successful 21 yr @MLB career. Featuring a devastating knuckleball, Joe would join brother Phil to become MLB’s winningest brother combination ever, with a combined total -539 victories. Joe left us too early-Oct 27, 2006

Happy Birthday @NPASHF inductee June Olkowski, born on this day. June was a 6’ forward at @RutgersWBB when the team won the final “AIAW” tournament in 1982. She later served as head coach at Arizona, Butler, and Northwestern University

Happy birthday Tom Paciorek. Tom played for six teams during his 18-year @MLB career. He was named to the 1981 All-Star team. At the conclusion of his playing career, Tom transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, primarily with the @whitesox. @NPASHF @CollegeBSBHall

The @NPASHF joins the football community in mourning the passing of Pete Banaszak, who died at the age of 82. A proud Polish American, Pete was inducted into the @NPASHF in 1990. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Pete’s wife, Sue, his daughters and grandchildren.

Oct 23,2008, Beach Volleyball player Randy Stoklos was inducted into International Volleyball Hall of Fame.Randy was the AVP (Assoc Volleyball Professionals) MVP-1988, 1989,1991.He has appeared the covers of ‘M’ and ‘Men’s Fitness’ magazines. In 2016, Randy was inducted @NPASHF

'Jonnie' just won the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2026 Bozeman Film Festival. @NPASHF is very proud to honor Lynn 'Jonnie" Jonckowski in our HOF.

Happy birthday Zeke Bratkowski, born on this date in 1931 in Danville, IL. Bratkowski was an @NFL quarterback who played with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and @packers . In his 14-year career he completed 762 passes for 10,291 yards and 65 touchdowns. @NPASHF

Birthday wishes today to Jim Dombrowski. 1st round pick of @Saints out of the University of Virginia, the 1985 consensus All-American would play his entire @NFL career with the Saints. He was inducted into the @cfbhall -2008, Virginia Sports HOF-2010, and @NPASHF-2013.

Born this day, @NPASHF inductee Walt Michaels (Majka). 5x Pro Bowler led @Browns to 5 NFL Championship games, resulting in NFL Champs in "54 & ’55. As head coach of @nyjets , he piloted the team to the NFC Championship Game during the 1982- 83 season.

Happy birthday Joe Klecko. Defensive lineman Klecko was a member of the @nyjets celebrated "New York Sack Exchange". He was the first @NFL player to be named to the Pro Bowl at three different positions: defensive end, defensive tackle, and nose guard. @NPASHF @ProFootballHOF

October 15, 1952 – Wladek “Killer” Kowalski acquires his famous nickname following a match against Yukon Eric at the Montreal Forum. @NPASHF

On this date in 2005, Stephen Gostkowski, placekicker for the University of Memphis Tigers @Memphis_Tiger and @NPASHF inductee , achieved the rare feat of recovering his own onside kick. The event took place during the Tigers’ 35-20 victory over the University of Houston.

#OTD 1960,@Pirates second baseman & @NPASHF inductee Bill Mazeroski hit the only Game 7 walk-off home run in WS history. Final Score- Pittsburg Pirates 10, New York Yankees 9. Although eight Golden Gloves attest to Mazeroski’s defensive ability, this was his shining moment.

Happy Birthday Kristy Kowal. Kristy was a standout swimmer at University of Georgia, participating in 100 and 200-meter breaststroke. She was the @NCAA ‘Swimmer of the Year’ in 1999 and 2000 and the NCAA’s ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2000. In 2010, Kristy was inducted into @NPASHF

Born #OTD, Dick Szymanski.After playing linebacker @NDFootball, Dick spent 13 years with the Baltimore Colts, first a linebacker,then a center. He eventually became known as “Johnny Unitas’s center.’ After playing, Dick spent 14 years working in the Colts’ front office. @NPASHF

Oct. 6,1985-@Yankees knuckleballer & @NPASHF inductee Phil Niekro becomes 18th pitcher to win 300 games. The victory comes in an 8-0 shutout of @BlueJays. At 46 years,188 days, Niekro becomes the oldest pitcher to pitch a shutout in the major leagues.This record stood for 25 yrs

October 4, 1945-The Brooklyn Dodgers win their first World Series with a 2-0 victory against arch-rival NY Yankees at Yankee Stadium in Game 7. The series MVP is @NPASHF Hall of Famer Johnny Podres. See polishsportshof.com/portfoli…