National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids

The National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame is a special place that celebrates amazing athletes of Polish heritage. It was started in 1973. Its main goal is to remember and honor the great things these athletes have done in sports. It also wants to teach everyone about their achievements and inspire young people to be their best. You can find the Hall of Fame in Troy, Michigan.

Each year, new members are chosen for the Hall of Fame. Over 500 sports experts and current Hall of Fame members vote for who gets in. With more than 150 members, the Hall of Fame has a cool collection of historic sports items. You can see them at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan.

What Can You See at the Hall of Fame?

When you visit, you can see items from legendary athletes. For example, Stan Musial, the very first person inducted, has items that are truly special. You can also see uniforms worn by stars like Steve Gromek, Carol Blazejowski, Mark Fidrych, and Ed Olczyk. There are even boxing gloves used by 1940s champion Tony Zale.

Look out for signed basketballs, baseballs, footballs, and bowling balls. These were used by famous people such as Mike Krzyzewski, Whitey Kurowski, Ted Marchibroda, and Eddie Lubanski. You might even spot a football signed by Bob Skoronski, Vince Lombardi, and other members of the 1967 Super Bowl I Champion Green Bay Packers.

Special Awards and Celebrations

In 2013, the Hall of Fame started a new award called the NPASHF Excellence in Sports Award. Race car driver Brad Keselowski was the first person to receive it. Other winners include Liz Johnson, Frank Kaminsky, Gary Kubiak, Joe Maddon, Dave Dombrowski, Sam Mikulak, and Natalie Wojcik.

The Hall of Fame also created the Tony Kubek Award in 2019. This award celebrates great sports journalists. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was the first to win it. Sportswriter Joe Posnanski won the award in 2021.

Polish-American Athletes Honored Globally

In Rzeszow, Poland, there's a special place called the "Avenue of Stars." On July 15, 2023, bronze plates with handprints of amazing Polish athletes were put there. This included Hall of Fame members Bob Brudzinski and Ann Meyers Drysdale.

The National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame holds a big banquet every year. In June 2022, they had their 49th banquet and welcomed Mark Dantonio, Mark Gubicza, Loree Jon Hasson, and John Danowski. In 2023, they celebrated 50 years with a huge party. Almost two dozen Hall of Fame members attended! Ann Meyers Drysdale was the main speaker, and Jon Paul Morosi was the host.

Honored Athletes by Sport

The National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame celebrates athletes from many different sports. Here are some of the talented individuals who have been inducted.

Baseball Stars

Many baseball players with Polish heritage have achieved greatness.

Basketball Legends

From the court to the Hall, these basketball players made a big impact.

Billiards and Bowling Champions

These athletes showed amazing skill in billiards and bowling.

• Loree Jon Hasson (2022)
• Frank Taberski (2020)
• Johnny Crimmins (1976)
• Billy Golembiewski (1981)
• Cass Grygier (1984)
• Eddie Lubanski (1978)
• Aleta Rzepecki-Sill (2008)
• Ann Setlock (1983)

Boxing Greats

Powerful punches and strong spirits define these boxing inductees.

• Duane Bobick (2014)
• Bobby Czyz (2009)
• Stanley Ketchel (1984)
• Teddy Yarosz (2005)
• Tony Zale (1975)

Fencing and Figure Skating Stars

Grace and precision led these athletes to the Hall of Fame.

• Janusz Bednarski (2017)
• Janet Lynn (1990)
• Elaine Zayak (2013)

American Football Heroes

Many tough and talented football players are honored here.

Golf and Gymnastics Achievers

These athletes mastered their sports with skill and dedication.

• Billy Burke (2005)
• Betsy King (2000)
• Warren Orlick (1983)
• Bob Toski (1987)
• Al Watrous (1979)
• Evan Williams (2018)
• George Szypula (1985)

Ice Hockey Heroes

From the rink to the Hall, these hockey players are celebrated.

• Walter Broda (2005)
• Len Ceglarski (1993)
• Joe Kocur (2016)
• Tom Lysiak (2012)
• Allison Mleczko (2019)
• Ed Olczyk (2004)
• Bryan Smolinski (2015)
• Pete Stemkowski (2002)

Lacrosse and Motor Sports Stars

These athletes excelled in their fast-paced and exciting sports.

• John Danowski (2022)
• Tony Adamowicz (2016)
• Tom D'Eath (2011)
• Alan Kulwicki (2001)

Skiing and Softball Talents

Speed on the slopes and power on the field mark these inductees.

• Kristina Koznick (2015)
• Ed Tyson (1974)

Sports Journalism and Officials

These individuals contributed greatly to sports through reporting and officiating.

• Ed Browalski (1983)
• Billy Packer (1988)
• Steve Javie (2017)
• Stan Javie (2011)
• Red Mihalik (1996)

Speed Skating and Swimming Champions

These athletes made waves and broke records in the water and on ice.

• J.R. Celski (2020)
• Rachel Komisarz Baugh (2018)
• Chet Jastremski (2007)
• Kristy Kowal (2010)
• Joe Verdeur (2009)

Taekwondo and Tennis Aces

From martial arts to the tennis court, these athletes showed incredible skill.

• Arlene Limas (2019)
• Jane "Peaches" Bartkowicz (2010)
• Frank Parker (1988)

Track & Field and Volleyball Stars

These athletes ran, jumped, threw, and spiked their way to fame.

• Bob Gutowski (1980)
• Stella Walsh (1974)
• Frances Sobczak Kaszubski (2020)
• Andy Banachowski (2009)
• Randy Stoklos (2015)

Water Polo, Weightlifting, and Wrestling Legends

Strength and strategy define these impressive athletes.

• Monte Nitzkowski (2016)
• Norbert Schemansky (1979)
• Stanley Stanczyk (1991)
• Władek "Killer" Kowalski (2007)
• Stanley Zbyszko (1983)

See also

• Polish American Museum
• Polish Museum of America