Bob Borkowski – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Borkowski spent six seasons in Major League Baseball during the 1950s, playing for three National League teams before he hung up his cleats in 1955. Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1926, this versatile outfielder carved out a respectable career, even though he played during an era with only 16 major league teams. Roster spots were incredibly competitive.

Borkowski put together a .251 batting average with 16 home runs and 112 RBIs across 470 games, playing for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Brooklyn Dodgers. He went from being a dual-threat pitcher and outfielder in the minors to a reliable big league utility player, which really shows the dedication it took to reach baseball’s highest level right after World War II.

From his early days in the Appalachian League to his last season with the World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers, Borkowski’s story captures what it was like for countless players who formed the backbone of America’s pastime. His career gives a glimpse into the challenges faced by role players, the team dynamics across three franchises, and the tricky transition from baseball to civilian life in the 1950s.

Bob Borkowski’s Early Life and Background

Robert Vilarian Borkowski was born into a working-class Polish-American family in Dayton, Ohio, on January 27, 1926. Growing up in this baseball-loving region shaped his athletic development, and his military service during World War II interrupted—but also contributed to—his path to pro baseball.

Family and Heritage

Robert Vilarian Borkowski came from a Polish-American family that settled in Dayton, Ohio. His parents dealt with the all-too-common challenge of neighbors mispronouncing their surname.

The family’s Polish heritage led to an interesting nickname story. Folks in their Dayton neighborhood just couldn’t pronounce “Borkowski,” which caused a bit of a problem.

Bob later explained how his nickname “Bush” came from this. “People from Dayton couldn’t pronounce Borkowski,” he said in a 2003 interview. “I had long blond hair at the time, and they started to say ‘Bush.’”

The nickname stuck for good. “People who knew us called my Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Bush,” Bob said. “That’s where the name got started. I guess it was just a short way of saying Borkowski.”

Growing Up in Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio gave young Bob a great environment for athletic growth. The city and surrounding area had a strong baseball culture that encouraged kids to get into the game.

Bob fell in love with baseball early. “I just liked playing baseball all the time,” he remembered years later. “I played whenever I could.”

He jumped into every opportunity to play, joining multiple leagues and trying different formats. His dedication was obvious in his constant search for playing time.

Dayton’s baseball-friendly vibe helped him develop his natural talent. The region produced many athletes who went on to play professionally. Bob’s athletic skills really stood out during his high school years.

High School and Early Athletic Achievements

Bob attended Kiser High School in Dayton, where he played several positions on the baseball team. His versatility became a defining trait that would serve him well later on.

During high school, Bob mostly pitched for the varsity team. “Mostly I pitched,” he said about his high school experience. “We had guys in grades nine through twelve on the varsity.”

But he didn’t just pitch. Bob also played first base and outfield, showing off the flexibility that would make him valuable to pro teams. That multi-position experience paid off down the line.

Bob graduated from Dayton High School in June 1943. At that point, World War II was in its second full year, which changed his immediate plans.

Military Service in World War II

After high school, Bob worked for a few months before he became eligible for military service. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday in January 1944.

Bob spent most of 1944 training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. The rigorous training got him ready for overseas deployment. By 1945, he was stationed in Hawaii with the Navy.

People noticed his baseball skills even during his military service. Bob played on service teams and pitched batting practice while stationed on Oahu. These games entertained the troops and kept his skills sharp.

A scout’s son, who worked as an umpire in the Hawaiian League, saw Bob’s talent. That connection led to a referral to Cubs scout Joe Kernan, though Kernan never actually saw Bob play before signing him to a professional contract.

Minor League Journey and Development

Bob Borkowski’s path to the majors began in 1946 when he signed with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent. Early on, he played both pitcher and outfielder, but his hitting performance eventually pushed him toward being a full-time position player.

Pitching and Hitting in the Appalachian League

Borkowski started his pro career in 1946 with the Elizabethton Betsy Cubs in the Class-D Appalachian League. The team used him as both a pitcher and outfielder, letting him show off his versatility.

On the mound, he went 18-9 with a 3.46 ERA. His pitching looked promising, but his bat told an even better story.

As an outfielder, Borkowski played 114 games and hit .384 with 12 home runs and 90 RBI. Cubs officials took notice right away.

“I started as pitcher in Class D ball at Elizabethton in the old Appalachian League,” Borkowski recalled. “I had a good record, but they decided to make an outfielder out of me.”

The combination of solid pitching and outstanding hitting forced the Cubs to make a decision. His .384 batting average was eye-popping at any level.

Transition to Full-Time Outfielder

After his impressive 1946 season, the Cubs decided to convert Borkowski to a full-time outfielder in 1947. They sent him to Des Moines of the Class A Western League.

Playing for the second-place Bruins, Borkowski adapted quickly. He hit .278 with six homers and 87 RBI while focusing mostly on outfield duties.

He still pitched once in a while and even won a few games. His versatility stayed useful even as he specialized.

In 1948, Borkowski returned to Des Moines and improved again. He raised his average to .296 with seven homers and 70 RBI.

The Bruins finished first in the regular season, and Borkowski’s steady offense helped them get there.

Success with the Nashville Vols

The Cubs promoted Borkowski to the Nashville Vols of the Double-A Southern Association in 1949. That was a big jump in competition.

Borkowski responded with the best season of his minor league career. He dominated Southern Association pitching all year.

His performance helped Nashville win first place in the regular season. The team also won the league’s playoff title, which capped off a successful year.

“I led the league in hitting at Nashville, and I went with the Cubs to spring training in 1950,” Borkowski said. “I had a great year. It seemed like everything I hit was a single or a double.”

Double-A Southern Association Batting Title

Borkowski’s 1949 season with Nashville ended with him winning the Southern Association batting title with a .376 average. He also chipped in nine home runs and 78 RBI.

That league-leading average showed he could really hit at Double-A. The .376 mark was just super consistent.

Borkowski made the All-Star team as an outfielder, which recognized his standout year. His spray-hitting approach worked well against better pitching.

The batting title earned him a shot at major league spring training in 1950. Cubs management saw he was ready for the next step.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bob Borkowski played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1950 to 1955, spending time with three National League teams. He started strong with the Chicago Cubs after leading the Southern Association in hitting, and finished up as a member of the 1955 World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers.

MLB Debut with the Chicago Cubs

Borkowski made his big league debut on April 22, 1950, at age 24 with the Chicago Cubs. He pinch-hit for veteran pitcher Johnny Vander Meer against the St. Louis Cardinals but struck out in his first at-bat.

The Cubs sent him to Triple-A Springfield in early May. But when Hal Jeffcoat broke his collarbone on May 14, Chicago called Borkowski back to fill the outfield spot.

Rookie Season Highlights:

• Hit his first MLB home run on May 28, 1950, against the Pittsburgh Pirates
• Batted .273 with 4 home runs and 29 RBI in 85 games
• Delivered a walk-off triple on June 6 against the Brooklyn Dodgers

Borkowski found his groove as a utility outfielder, often platooning against lefties. He collected 70 hits in 256 at-bats, including 7 doubles and 4 triples with his 4 home runs.

In 1951, he struggled under manager Frankie Frisch. He played only 58 games and batted .157 in 89 at-bats, mostly as a pinch-hitter.

Key Years with Cincinnati Reds

On October 4, 1951, the Cubs traded Borkowski and catcher Smoky Burgess to Cincinnati for outfielder Bob Usher and catcher Johnny Pramesa. The Reds needed a center fielder after Lloyd Merriman got called up for military service during the Korean War.

Borkowski got his most playing time with Cincinnati in 1952. He appeared in a career-high 126 games, mostly in center field, and batted .252 with 11 doubles, 4 triples, and 4 home runs.

Playing Style and Abilities:

• Used a small barrel bat and hit to all fields
• Had excellent speed on the bases
• Played smart and handled hit-and-run well
• Defended all outfield spots with versatility

Former teammate Jim Greengrass said Borkowski was “a good ball player with all the tools, plus a great attitude.” His spray-hitting and baserunning made him a valuable role player for the Reds.

Final MLB Season with Brooklyn Dodgers

During the 1955 season, Cincinnati traded Borkowski to the Brooklyn Dodgers. He joined a stacked Brooklyn team that would win the franchise’s first and only World Series title in Brooklyn.

Borkowski played his final MLB game on July 10, 1955, against the New York Giants. By then, he was mostly a bench player on the deep Dodgers roster.

The 1955 Dodgers had stars like Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and Roy Campanella. Borkowski provided depth during their historic championship run.

His playing time was limited, but Borkowski still became part of baseball history with the team that finally beat the Yankees in the World Series.

Retirement After 1955

After the 1955 season, Brooklyn sent Borkowski to St. Paul of the Triple-A American Association. He spent three and a half more seasons in the upper minors, hoping for another shot at the majors.

Post-1955 Minor League Career:

• Played for St. Paul (American Association)
• Later joined Portland Beavers, Los Angeles Angels, and Buffalo Bisons
• Kept playing through the 1958 season

When it became clear another big league chance wasn’t coming, Borkowski retired from pro baseball after the 1958 season. He returned to Dayton, Ohio, and started a new career outside the game.

His MLB career numbers included a .251 batting average with 16 home runs and 112 RBI across 343 games. Borkowski represented the steady, versatile players who filled important roles in baseball’s golden era of the 1950s.

Statistical Highlights and Playing Style

Bob Borkowski finished with a .251 career batting average over six seasons, showing real versatility as both an outfielder and occasional first baseman. His 16 home runs and 112 RBIs reflected his role as a contact hitter who focused more on getting on base than hitting for power.

Batting Performance and Career Averages

Borkowski hit .251 over his major league career, which made him a pretty reliable contact hitter from 1950 to 1955. He actually had his best season as a rookie in 1950 with the Chicago Cubs, batting .273 and racking up 70 hits in 256 at-bats.

He hit right-handed and preferred to spray balls to all fields instead of swinging for the fences. Back in 1949, he led the Southern Association with a .376 average while playing in Nashville, showing off his hitting talent.

Borkowski focused on singles and doubles, and he worked well as a hit-and-run player. He chose a small barrel bat, which suited his approach of making steady contact.

Home Runs and RBIs

Over six seasons, Borkowski hit 16 home runs and drove in 112 runs across 470 games. He hit his first big league homer on May 28, 1950, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field.

He managed four home runs in both 1950 and 1952. That rookie year also saw him notch his highest RBI total, with 29 in just 85 games.

Borkowski often came off the bench as a utility player, and he had a knack for coming through in clutch spots. Even though his power numbers weren’t flashy, he delivered when it counted.

Fielding Percentage and Defensive Versatility

Borkowski’s biggest strength was his defensive versatility. He played all over the outfield and filled in at first base too. Depending on what the team needed, he switched between center, right, and left field.

His speed helped him out in center field, especially when regular starters went down with injuries. The Cubs originally moved him from pitcher to outfielder in 1947 after seeing his athleticism.

Managers trusted him as both a starter and a utility guy. His defense gave teams more options against different pitchers.

Notable Career Achievements

Borkowski made his mark in his rookie season, hitting .273 and proving he belonged in the majors. He came up big in key moments, like his walk-off single against the Boston Braves in 1951.

Three National League teams—the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Brooklyn Dodgers—used his versatility both as a starter and off the bench.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Borkowski played during the post-World War II years, a time when baseball really mattered to fans and communities.

Notable Teammates and Team Impact

Borkowski’s career was shaped by his time with star players across three National League teams. He played a steady role as an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds during their rebuilding years, and he contributed to the Brooklyn Dodgers’ legendary 1955 championship season.

Role Among the Reds Outfielders

When Borkowski joined the Reds in 1952, he filled a huge gap in their outfield. Lloyd Merriman had left for the Marine Corps during the Korean War, so the team needed help in center field.

His teammates noticed his value right away. Jim Greengrass, who hit .309 with five homers in just 18 games as a rookie in 1952, once said, “Bob was a good ball player with all the tools, plus a great attitude.”

Borkowski’s approach at the plate made him a great fit for situational baseball. He used a small barrel bat, hit to all fields, and worked well as a hit-and-run guy. His speed on the bases fit right in with the Reds’ style.

He played a career-high 126 games for Cincinnati in 1952. That year, he hit .252 with 11 doubles, four triples, and four home runs. His steady play helped keep the outfield solid during a time of roster changes.

Influence of Trades and Team Dynamics

Two big trades shaped Borkowski’s career and showed how competitive the National League was in the 1950s. He went from Chicago to Cincinnati in 1951, after butting heads with Cubs manager Frankie Frisch.

That trade paired him with catcher Smoky Burgess, and the Cubs got outfielder Bob Usher and catcher Johnny Pramesa in return. The move gave Borkowski a fresh start and regular playing time in center field.

In 1955, Cincinnati traded him to Brooklyn. The Reds sent Borkowski to the Dodgers on June 14, 1955, to complete an earlier deal. That trade also brought pitcher Joe Black to Cincinnati.

His timing in Brooklyn was pretty lucky. The Dodgers were chasing their first World Series title, and Borkowski’s veteran presence gave their outfield more depth.

Championship with the 1955 Dodgers

Borkowski joined the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers and became part of baseball history when they finally beat the New York Yankees in the World Series. He arrived in June, giving the Dodgers extra outfield help as they made their title run.

That Dodgers team was stacked with stars. Borkowski found himself surrounded by future Hall of Famers and some of the best National League players of the era. Honestly, being part of that championship squad had to be the highlight of his career.

He played in just 34 games in 1955, but his veteran presence mattered. The Dodgers’ win marked Brooklyn’s first and only World Series title before the team moved to Los Angeles.

After the 1955 season, the Dodgers sent him to St. Paul of the American Association, which pretty much closed the book on his major league days. Still, that championship ring capped off his journey in baseball.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After leaving professional baseball in 1955, Bob Borkowski went back to Dayton, Ohio. He focused on work and family, but he always took pride in his time with the 1955 World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers. He lived to 91, passing away in 2017.

Life After Baseball

Once it was clear he wouldn’t make it back to the major leagues, Borkowski decided to retire. He spent three and a half seasons in the upper minors, hoping for another shot.

He returned to Dayton and started working there, closing the door on a six-season National League career.

Back then, most players had to find regular jobs after baseball. It was just the way things went for guys in the 1950s.

Even after retiring, Borkowski stayed connected to the game. He sometimes gave interviews and shared stories about his days with the Cubs, Reds, and Dodgers.

Recognition and Remembrance

Borkowski died on November 18, 2017, closing a chapter on a life that included a spot on one of baseball’s most famous teams. His role with the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers secured his place in World Series lore.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Batting Average: .251
• Home Runs: 16
• RBIs: 112
• Games Played: 470
• Teams: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers

Sites like Baseball Reference and Retrosheet keep his stats alive for new fans. They document what he did for all three National League teams.

The Cincinnati Reds released an official statement after his death. His nickname, “Bush,” stuck with him throughout his baseball life.

Connection to Dayton and Community Impact

Borkowski always kept close ties to Dayton. He was born Robert Vilarian Borkowski on January 27, 1926, in a working-class Polish-American family right in the city.

Neighbors struggled with “Borkowski,” so they started calling him “Bush.” That nickname just stuck, following him through his baseball career and beyond.

Local news outlets called him a hometown hero after he passed away. The Dayton Daily News even ran his obituary, highlighting how much he meant to the community.

Borkowski really showed what it was like when pro athletes came back to their roots after retirement. His family stayed in the Dayton area, keeping that connection alive between the former major leaguer and his Ohio hometown.