Music festivities outside of Comerica Park on Polish Heritage Night,
By Raymond Rolak
Polish American Night has been a tradition and highlight of the baseball season in Detroit going on its 48th year. This year the game and festivities will be on Friday May 25th against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Game time is 7:10 p.m. but plenty of music will be outside the stadium starting at 6:00 p.m.
The game is being coordinated by Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA). The special ticket package includes a game ticket, a Detroit Tigers / Polish American Night hat and a donation to the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America #1593 Scholarship Fund. For groups of 15 or more, please contact: [email protected]
The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) is the oldest Polish American insurance fraternal in America and is coordinating the event. It was founded in 1873 in the spirit of brotherhood to unite and help Polish immigrants and to promote Polish culture.
This year, highlights will include participation of 350 dancers on the field, 12 folk dance groups, the Polish Scouts and pre-game polka band entertainment. Longtime coordinator, Wally Ozog, has turned the reigns of control to co-chairs Chris Ozog and Valeree Blum. Included in the program will be Polish National Alliance dance troupes. Returning for an encore performance to sing the Republic of Poland National Anthem will be Robert Szczublewski of Toledo.
David Pozondek, longtime PRCUA member involved in several national sports tournaments, member of the Wawel Folk Ensemble and Chairman of Polish Night at the Mt. Clemens Elks Club will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
2018 NPASHF Special Recognition Award designee Joseph Drobot Jr.
2018 National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame will announce their 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 will have an information booth at Comerica Park during Polish Heritage Night.
Special Detroit Tiger’s hat giveaway with ticket package on Polish Heritage Night Friday May 25.
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 Niekro
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 – ***
