Harry Perkowski – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Harry Perkowski finished his Major League Baseball career in 1955 after eight seasons as a left-handed pitcher. He left a legacy that stretched from the coal fields of Virginia to the bright lights of big league stadiums.

Born in 1922, Perkowski’s route to professional baseball wasn’t exactly straightforward. Military service during World War II interrupted his plans before he finally landed with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.

His final season in 1955 with the Chicago Cubs closed out a career where he put up a 33-40 record and struck out 296 batters over 697 innings.

What really makes Perkowski’s story interesting is the way he got to the majors. After serving 30 months in the Navy during World War II, taking part in four major invasions—Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy—he came back to baseball determined to make it.

His incredible 1946 season with the Ogden Reds, where he went 23-6 with a 2.09 ERA, made it clear he had the talent to move up.

From the Navy to the minor leagues and on to major league success, Perkowski’s career gives us a window into baseball after the war. He faced the same challenges as other players of his generation, saw the game change during the 1940s and 1950s, and eventually had to adjust to life after baseball—just like so many others in his shoes.

Early Life and Background

Harry Walter Perkowski was born on September 6, 1922, in the small coal mining town of Dante, Virginia. Growing up in Appalachian coal country shaped his character and work ethic.

Those qualities would help him later in his eight-year Major League Baseball career.

Birth and Family

Harry Walter Perkowski came into the world in 1922 in Dante, Virginia, a tight-knit community tucked into the Appalachian Mountains. His parents worked hard in a typical coal mining household.

The Perkowski family valued perseverance and grit. Those things became a big part of who Harry was.

His family always supported his interest in sports. That encouragement made a difference early on.

Living through the Great Depression, Harry learned just how important it was to keep going, even when times got tough. Money was tight, so he learned to make the most of any opportunity.

That background really prepared him for the ups and downs of chasing a baseball career.

Hometown in Dante, Virginia

Dante, Virginia sat deep in coal country near Kentucky. The mines basically ran the town, and almost every family relied on them.

Coal dust and mountain air were just part of daily life there. With such a small population, everyone knew each other.

Sports were a big deal and brought people together. Local baseball games were a highlight and drew crowds from the area.

The mountains limited space for recreation, but folks made do with what they had. That rugged landscape built resilience.

People in Dante learned to be tough. Those traits helped Harry later in his baseball career.

Early Interest in Baseball

Harry fell in love with baseball on local sandlots and school fields. His left-handed pitching grabbed the attention of coaches and scouts.

He stood out from the other kids. Local games gave him his first taste of competition.

Older players and neighbors taught him the basics. Every season, his pitching got better.

Key early developments:

• Left-handed pitching stance
• Strong throwing arm
• Competitive spirit
• Leadership qualities

By high school, everyone could see his talent. He attended Trap Hill High School in Surveyor, West Virginia.

His performance there caught the eye of professional scouts.

Influence of Coalfield Community

Coal mining culture taught Harry values he’d carry into baseball. Hard work, persistence, and team loyalty mattered in both the mines and on the field.

The community rallied around local athletes, seeing them as a source of pride. Mining families understood how sports could offer a way out.

Parents encouraged talented kids to chase those dreams. Support from neighbors and friends helped build Harry’s confidence.

Fans packed the stands for his games. That encouragement made the pressures of pro baseball a little easier to handle.

Growing up in a struggling area motivated Harry. Success in baseball could change his family’s life.

That hunger pushed him to give his all every time he played.

Military Service During World War II

World War II interrupted Harry Perkowski’s baseball career when the draft called him into the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served three and a half years in the amphibious force, taking part in major invasions in both the Atlantic and Pacific.

Service in the U.S. Navy

Perkowski got drafted into military service at age 21 in 1943. He’d been playing semi-professional baseball near home and pitched briefly for Natchez of the Evangeline League before the Navy called.

He joined the United States Navy, ready to serve during a tough time in American history. His service lasted from 1943 to 1945.

He became part of the Navy’s amphibious force. That unit was key for moving troops and equipment during big operations.

Amphibious Force Experience

Perkowski escorted troops and tanks during invasions, using Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs). These boats delivered people and gear right onto enemy beaches.

He spent 19 months in the Atlantic Theater and 11 months in the Pacific. That’s a lot of time on the front lines.

Major Invasions Perkowski Participated In:

• Africa – North African campaign
• Sicily – Italian campaign
• Italy – Mainland European operations
• Normandy – D-Day invasion of France

“I was all over the place just about,” Perkowski would later say about his time in the service. He played a part in some of World War II’s most important operations.

Impact on Baseball Career

The war put Perkowski’s baseball dreams on hold. He lost three key years in his early twenties, a time when most players get their start.

Still, he came back strong after the war. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1946, just a year after leaving the Navy.

He put up a stellar 23-6 record with a 2.09 ERA for Ogden in 1946. That kind of performance suggested his time in the service might have toughened him up.

Perkowski made his major league debut on September 13, 1947, less than two years after returning home. That quick transition showed just how determined he was.

Minor League Baseball Journey

Harry Perkowski’s road to the majors took him through several minor league teams all over the country. He started in the South, then moved west to the Pioneer League, where he quickly became a standout pitcher.

Time With Natchez Giants and Evangeline League

Perkowski’s professional career kicked off with the Natchez Giants of the Evangeline League. This was his first real taste of organized pro baseball.

His stint with the Giants didn’t last long, but it mattered. The Evangeline League gave young players a shot to move up.

The league operated mostly in Louisiana and Mississippi during the 1940s. It was a good place for players to adjust from amateur to pro ball.

Perkowski’s time with Natchez ended when the military called him in 1943. He spent over two years in the Navy during World War II.

Ogden Reds and the Pioneer League

When he got out of the service in 1946, Perkowski signed with the Cincinnati Reds. They sent him to the Ogden Reds in the Pioneer League.

His 1946 season was something else. He went 23-6 with 209 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA in 247 innings.

He led the league in wins and tied for the lead in shutouts with six. He really overpowered hitters that year.

Those stats got him noticed. The Cincinnati organization saw he was ready to move up.

Columbia Reds and the South Atlantic League

In 1947, Perkowski moved up to the Columbia team in the South Atlantic League. The competition here was definitely tougher.

He finished with a 17-12 record, 133 strikeouts, and a 3.57 ERA over 247 innings.

The jump to the South Atlantic League challenged him, but he handled it well. Cincinnati called him up late in the season.

Despite his progress, the Reds thought he needed more time in the minors. They sent him back down for more experience.

Tulsa Oilers and Texas League Success

Perkowski spent 1948 with the Tulsa Oilers of the Texas League. That year turned out to be another big one for him.

He picked up his second 20-win season in the minors, finishing 22-10 with 163 strikeouts and a 2.98 ERA in 263 innings.

He led the Texas League in wins and threw 21 complete games. Tulsa ended up with a 91-63 record.

The Texas League was serious competition. Perkowski’s dominance there proved he was ready for another shot at the majors.

His steady success in the minors made it clear he could pitch at a higher level. That set him up for a return to Cincinnati in 1950.

Rise to Major League Baseball

Harry Perkowski’s path to the majors started in September 1947 when he debuted for the Cincinnati Reds at age 25. He kept working his way up through the Reds system and eventually wrapped up his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1955.

MLB Debut With Cincinnati Reds

Harry Perkowski took the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on September 13, 1947. He was 25 years old and faced the New York Giants in his big league debut.

He showed flashes of potential, though he struggled at times. Perkowski pitched 3.1 innings, gave up 8 hits and 3 earned runs, and recorded 1 strikeout and 2 walks.

He appeared in three games before the 1947 season ended. That first taste of the majors gave him some valuable experience.

His debut came after serving in the Navy during World War II. The war delayed his baseball career, but he made the transition back to the game.

Development in the Reds Organization

After his debut, Perkowski spent 1948 in the minors with Tulsa in the Texas League. He posted a strong 22-10 record.

That marked his second 20-win season in the minors. His performance showed he had the potential to stick around.

In 1949, he pitched for Syracuse in the International League and went 14-12. He kept improving as a pitcher.

The Cincinnati Reds, sometimes called the Redlegs then, brought him back to the majors in 1949. He stayed with them through 1954, carving out a role as a dependable lefty.

Promotion to the Chicago Cubs

Perkowski got one last major league chance with the Chicago Cubs in 1955. The Cubs wanted an experienced left-hander for their pitching staff.

He appeared in 25 games during the 1955 regular season. His final big league outing came on September 18, 1955.

That wrapped up his eight-year career. He pitched in 184 games and won 33 times.

Perkowski’s journey from the Reds to the Cubs showed his toughness and value as a pitcher. He contributed to several teams during his time in Major League Baseball.

Major League Career Highlights

Harry Perkowski made his mark as a reliable left-handed pitcher during his eight seasons in the majors from 1947 to 1955. He turned in strong performances with both the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, ending his career with a 33-40 record and a 4.37 ERA.

Pitching Style and Abilities

Perkowski stood 6 feet 2½ inches tall and weighed 196 pounds. That size gave him a pretty imposing presence on the mound.

As a left-handed pitcher, he both threw and batted from the left side. That made him especially valuable when facing left-handed hitters.

His physical build let him generate good velocity and movement on his pitches. During his minor league years, he really honed his control and durability.

Perkowski focused more on consistency than pure power. He counted on location and changing speeds to keep hitters guessing.

He could throw strikes and work deep into games. That dependability made him a go-to starter for both the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Perkowski found the most success during his time with the Cincinnati Reds from 1949 to 1954. He worked his way into the starting rotation and stayed there for several seasons.

His best years statistically came in the early 1950s. He became a steady performer, showing up in plenty of games and eating valuable innings for the Reds.

Before he reached the majors, Perkowski earned the title of Texas League Pitcher of the Year in 1948 with the Tulsa Oilers. That year, he went 22-10 with a 2.98 ERA and even started the All-Star game.

His standout minor league run opened the door for his shot at the big leagues with Cincinnati.

Key Performances at Crosley Field

Crosley Field served as Perkowski’s home ballpark during his Cincinnati years. The stadium’s dimensions and conditions seemed to fit his pitching style.

He made his major league debut on September 13, 1947, at age 25. That season, he got into three games.

Perkowski first faced the New York Giants, pitching 3.1 innings in his debut. He learned the ins and outs of Crosley Field pretty quickly and figured out how to use the ballpark to his advantage.

His performances at home helped him settle in as a reliable starter in the Reds’ rotation.

Notable Trades and Teammates

On October 1, 1954, the Cincinnati Redlegs traded Perkowski to the Chicago Cubs for Johnny Klippstein and Jim Willis. That deal really changed the direction of his career.

All three pitchers took on new roles with their new teams. Klippstein and Willis joined the Cincinnati staff, while Perkowski headed to Chicago for his last major league season.

With the Cubs in 1955, Perkowski posted a 3-4 record in 25 games. His final big league appearance happened on September 18, 1955, capping off his eight-year MLB run.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1955

Harry Perkowski’s last major league season came with the Chicago Cubs. He made 25 appearances in 1955, wrapping up his MLB career before spending five more years in the minors.

Performance With Chicago Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds sent Perkowski to the Chicago Cubs at the end of 1954. He started his final MLB season as a 32-year-old veteran.

Perkowski took the mound in 25 games for the Cubs that year. He started four of those games.

His stats in 1955: a 3-4 record and a 5.29 ERA. Not exactly his best numbers, but he hung in there through some tough outings.

Final Game Details:

• Date: September 18, 1955
• Age: 33 years, 12 days
• Performance: 0.0 innings pitched, 3 hits allowed, 1 earned run

That game against Cincinnati marked the end of his major league days. He had passed rookie limits back in 1950 and spent six seasons as an established MLB pitcher.

Transition Out of Major League Baseball

Perkowski left the majors in 1955, just as many players of his era did when they hit their early thirties. At 33, he knew his MLB time was winding down.

Over his career, he totaled 33 wins and 40 losses in 197 games. He spent time with both the Cincinnati Reds and Redlegs before finishing up with the Cubs.

His best seasons had come in 1952 and 1953, posting records of 12-10 and 12-11 with Cincinnati.

Post-MLB Minor League Career

Instead of hanging up his cleats, Perkowski returned to minor league baseball in 1956. He kept pitching in the minors until 1960.

He moved around, playing for teams in Los Angeles, Tulsa, Memphis, Fort Worth, and Denver. That five-year stretch showed just how much he loved the game.

A lot of former big leaguers took similar routes to keep playing. Perkowski already had an extensive minor league background before making it to the majors.

He posted impressive records, like 23-6 with Ogden in 1946 and 22-10 with Tulsa in 1948. His professional baseball career spanned from 1946 to 1960, and he spent eight of those years in the majors.

Life After Baseball

Harry Perkowski moved on from pro baseball to a long career with the West Virginia Highway Department. He stayed active in his community right up until his death in 2016 at age 93.

Post-Baseball Careers

After leaving baseball in 1955, Perkowski found steady work with the West Virginia Highway Department. He worked in the weight enforcement division for many years.

That job meant checking commercial vehicles to make sure they met state weight rules. It kept him close to home in West Virginia.

Perkowski eventually retired from the highway department and settled for good in Beckley, West Virginia. He had called Beckley home since 1948, the year he married Kathryn Lucille Bell.

They stayed married throughout his post-baseball years. Together, they built a life in that small West Virginia city, and Perkowski became a familiar local face.

Community Contributions

Perkowski kept close ties to his West Virginia roots. He graduated from Trap Hill High School in 1942 and served in the Navy during World War II, both in Europe and the Pacific.

His military service and baseball career earned him plenty of respect in Beckley. Folks there knew him as a former major leaguer and a dedicated public servant.

His work with the highway department served West Virginians for decades. Perkowski’s steady presence in the community showed just how much he cared about his home state.

Legacy and Remembrance

Harry Perkowski passed away on April 20, 2016, in Beckley, West Virginia. His family buried him at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Prosperity, West Virginia.

His death closed the chapter on one of the older surviving players from the 1952 Topps baseball card set. By that point, he was the fifth oldest player still around from that iconic series.

Perkowski spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball, and later, he devoted decades to public service. His life feels like a snapshot of what so many players experienced after leaving baseball—finding new purpose and staying close to their hometowns.