I’m writing this one through a pierogi, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, mushroom soup hangover. Thursday night, in Troy, Mich., I received the Tony Kubek Award from the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame. It was a wonderful night with wonderful people: Way too much food, and it goes without saying that I was deeply honored and thankful.
I never had much of an opinion on Pierzynski. He mostly played on teams that I didn't watch to often. Obviously he had that reputation you talked about. But he played for the Braves his last two years. The first year he was really great. Hit .300 with some power and was a positive influence on the team. So, the Braves had him back for a second year. That unfortunately, went poorly and he retired. But if he could play that way at 38, he definitely as way above average as a Catcher in his prime.
White Sox fan here, so OF COURSE I loved Pierzynski, even if I 100% realized at the time (and now) that he was definitely the bad guy, a complete prick, and someone who, if he acted like that in real life (and not in the game), he'd be justifiably decked on a regular basis.
Read the line about Pierzynski being a prick and thought “just like Jamie Tartt but less talented”, the scrolled past the picture and of course that’s what Joe references…the best.
As a Polish-American Floridian who played catcher (thank you, big strong Polish thighs) & whose mom grew up in Brooksville, Fla., (as did Pierzinski AND Bronson Arroyo), I’ve always held the very unpopular stance of loving the guy. Thankfully… loving your work, Joe, has gotten me in fewer arguments. Happy for both of y’all!
Big Cub fan (Krukow), big Bears fan (Nagurski), big Kubek fan, and a HUGE, HUGE Joe fan. Well deserved Joe. From the Wojciechowski family, a zimne piwo to you.
I always LOVED Pierzynski. But hey, I like pro wrestling, and I think every game needs a good heel. He had a great career and I'm glad to know him a little better through this piece. Thanks Joe!
That dinner sounds fantastic. Also sounds like what my family normally has on Christmas Eve. Now I'm hungry.
As you can probably figure by my avatar, Pierzynski was definitely not one of my favorite players. I hated that guy.
I never had much of an opinion on Pierzynski. He mostly played on teams that I didn't watch to often. Obviously he had that reputation you talked about. But he played for the Braves his last two years. The first year he was really great. Hit .300 with some power and was a positive influence on the team. So, the Braves had him back for a second year. That unfortunately, went poorly and he retired. But if he could play that way at 38, he definitely as way above average as a Catcher in his prime.
White Sox fan here, so OF COURSE I loved Pierzynski, even if I 100% realized at the time (and now) that he was definitely the bad guy, a complete prick, and someone who, if he acted like that in real life (and not in the game), he'd be justifiably decked on a regular basis.
A.J. is the catcher on my All-Polish All-Time team.
Typical - an article about receiving a prestigious award and 90% of it is about someone else. Congrats Joe!
Did you ask him about the dropped Royals pop up?
Read the line about Pierzynski being a prick and thought “just like Jamie Tartt but less talented”, the scrolled past the picture and of course that’s what Joe references…the best.
Dziękuję on such a great honor, Joe. PS. I also want pierogies!!
Joe, I have to know: Did Krukow reveal if this was the origin of him using the term, "Meat"? It has been part of his repertoire for a long time now.
Also, did he give you any good Kuip stories?
As a Polish-American Floridian who played catcher (thank you, big strong Polish thighs) & whose mom grew up in Brooksville, Fla., (as did Pierzinski AND Bronson Arroyo), I’ve always held the very unpopular stance of loving the guy. Thankfully… loving your work, Joe, has gotten me in fewer arguments. Happy for both of y’all!
Big Cub fan (Krukow), big Bears fan (Nagurski), big Kubek fan, and a HUGE, HUGE Joe fan. Well deserved Joe. From the Wojciechowski family, a zimne piwo to you.
Love this article Joe. Great to put a sense of perspective on his career, because I just couldn't stand that guy during his playing days!
Hated him when he was with the White Sox.
Hated him less when he was with the Twins.
Thanks Joe - every city has its local sports heroes
I always LOVED Pierzynski. But hey, I like pro wrestling, and I think every game needs a good heel. He had a great career and I'm glad to know him a little better through this piece. Thanks Joe!