BY RAYMOND ROLAK
DETROIT – Ethnic promotions are very popular and Polish-American Night is no exception. The evening has been a highlighted tradition of the Major League Baseball season going on its 48th year. The game and festivities did not disappoint the home crowd.
The Detroit Tigers eked out a 5 – 4 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.
The pre-game festivities were coordinated by Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA). The special ticket package included a red and white Detroit Tigers / Polish American Night hat.
The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) is the oldest Polish American insurance fraternal in America. It was founded in 1873 in the spirit of brotherhood to unite and help Polish immigrants and to promote Polish culture.
Highlights before the game included the participation of 350 dancers on the field, 12 folk dance groups, the Polish Scouts and pre-game polka band entertainment.
Included in the program besides the affiliated PRCUA dance troupes, were folk dance teams sponsored by the Polish National Alliance.
This year’s co-chairmen are Wally Ozog and Chris Ozog.
Returning for an encore performance to sing the Republic of Poland National Anthem was Robert Szczublewski of Toledo. David Pozondek, longtime PRCUA member involved in coordinating several national sports tournaments threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Also introduced as part of the pre-game ceremony was Rev. Miroslaw Krol, the new Chancellor of the Orchard Lake Schools and St. Mary’s Preparatory along with Ken Chmelko of the Polish- American Federal Credit Union.
National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame announced their 2018 honored inductees. They include Former All-Pro football guard Conrad Dobler, gold medal winning swimmer Rachel Komisarz-Baugh, retired NBA basketball player and current University of Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak and national golf long drive champion Evan “Big Cat” Williams.
Joseph Drobot Jr. has been selected to receive 2018 NPASHF Special Recognition Award for dedication and service to sports. The 46th annual induction banquet will be Thursday June 21, 2018 at the NPASHA Hall of Fame Museum at the American-Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan.
The NPASHF had an information booth at Comerica Park during Polish Heritage Night and passed out beverage cozy’s and keepsake informational programs.
The game activities were concluded by post-game fireworks.
Honored Baseball Inductees into the National Polish – American Sports Hall of Fame:
Oscar Bielaski
Stan Coveleski
Art “Pinky” Deras Native Detroiter
Moe Drabowsky
Mark Fidrych *
Steve Gromek * Native Detroiter
Ryan Klesko
Ted Kluszewski
Casimir (Jim) Konstanty
Whitey Kurowski
Tony Kubek
Bob Kuzava Native Detroiter
Eddie Lopat
Stan Lopata Native Detroiter
Greg Luzinski
Bill Mazeroski
Barney McCosky *
Stan Musial *** – Charter Inductee in 1973
Joe Niekro *
Phil N iekro
Danny Ozark
Tom Paciorek Native Detroiter
Ron Perranoski *
Johnny Podres *
Jack Quinn
Ron Reed **
Jenny Romatowski
Ray Sadecki
Al Simmons
Bill Skowron
Frank Tanana * Native Detroiter
Alan Trammell *
Carl Yastrzemski
Richie Zisk
Played for the Detroit Tiger’s – *
Also played for the Detroit Pistons – **
First honored member to be inducted into the NPASHF – ***
The Polish American Congress (PAC) is a U.S. umbrella organization of Polish-Americans and Polish-American organizations. Its membership is composed of fraternal, educational, veterans, religious, cultural, social, business, and political organizations, as well as individuals.