Bob Kaczynski

Induction Year: 1997

Category: Baseball

Location: Bay Shore

Bob Kaczynski spent his time as a three sport athlete during his four years at Bay Shore High School.  During the fall season, he played football where he was the teams leading runner.  In the winter, he played basketball where he was a star on 1956 and 1957 County Championship Team that was undefeated.  In the spring, he played baseball where he was the team’s leading hitter and a pitcher as well.

After graduating in 1957, Ray Garland signed Kaczynski to a Minor League deal with the New York Yankees.  Kaczynski’s high school career was so impressive, that Garland signed him over fellow Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Carl Yazstremski.  After a successful two-year career in the minor league, Kaczynski was drafted into the Army.

When his days of service concluded, he club softball for various town leagues, including the ASA Fast Pitch League in Jones Beach as well as the ASA Slow Pitch League for Doc Linehan’s County Sports team.  Kaczynski starred on Linehan’s team for many years and even won the National Championship with them.

Later on in life, Kaczynski served his community by coaching baseball and officiating basketball.  The teams that he managed included youth teams in the Connie Mack, Sandy Koufax, and Mickey Mantle Leagues where he devoted his time to the children of Suffolk County to develop their skills as a baseball player.