Definition
Dick Kryhoski (January 22, 1925 – July 9, 1999) was an American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1949 to 1955.
Overview
Kryhoski was born in Ocean Park, New Jersey. He began his professional career in the minor leagues before debuting in the majors with the New York Yankees on September 6, 1949. Over the course of his MLB tenure, he played for the Yankees, St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox, and Detroit Tigers. Kryhoski was primarily utilized as a left‑handed hitter and a right‑handed thrower, serving both as a starter and a utility player at first base and occasionally in the outfield. His most productive season came in 1952 with the St. Louis Browns, when he posted a .294 batting average, 13 home runs, and 71 runs batted in (RBIs). He retired from professional baseball after the 1955 season and later worked in the automotive industry. Kryhoski died in 1999 at the age of 74.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Kryhoski” is of Polish origin, derived from the Polish word krycha (meaning “hook” or “crook”) combined with the diminutive suffix “‑ski,” which historically indicated a geographical or familial association. The name reflects the immigrant heritage common among many American baseball players of the early‑to‑mid‑20th century.
Characteristics
- Batting/Throwing: Batted left‑handed; threw right‑handed.
- Playing style: Known for a solid contact approach, moderate power, and defensive reliability at first base.
- Statistical highlights (MLB career):
- Batting average: .277
- Home runs: 32
- Runs batted in: 167
- On‑base percentage: .339
- Career timeline:
- 1949–1950: New York Yankees
- 1951–1952: St. Louis Browns (renamed Baltimore Orioles in 1954)
- 1953: Chicago White Sox
- 1954–1955: Detroit Tigers
Related Topics
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- First baseman (baseball position)
- New York Yankees players
- St. Louis Browns franchise history
- Post‑World War II American baseball
- Polish‑American athletes in professional sports