Bert Kuczynski
From BR Bullpen
Bernard Carl Kuczynski
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 195 lb.
- School University of Pennsylvania
- Debut June 2, 1943
- Final Game July 4, 1943
- Born January 8, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA USA
- Died January 19, 1997 in Allentown, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Bert Kuczynski pitched seven seasons 1939 to 1946, five in college, one in the Major Leagues and one in the minors, losing two years to the Military. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II (1944-1946) (BN). After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1943. He was the first man to play in MLB and the NFL in the same season when he played for the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Lions in 1943. In 1943, Kuczynski, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, pitched for the Athletics and played football for the Detroit Lions. After the War three years later, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He went on to teach history for 27 years at Coatesville PA and Catsaugua PA High Schools before retiring in 1985. As a high school football coach from 1953 to 1964, Kuczynski had nine winning seasons in football and won two Lehigh Valley League titles. He also coached baseball from 1961 to 1972. The Allentown resident died at age 77 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown PA. He was survived by a daughter, Donna Eck of Catasauqua, and a sister, Jenny Kafel of Bensalem and is buried at Schoenersville Cemetery in Schoenersville PA.
