Doug Konieczny
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- Induction Year:
- 2023
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- Sport:
- Baseball
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- Year(s):
- 1970-71
Doug Konieczny was a member of the 1971 Skipper’s Baseball team. The 6’ 4” 220 lb hard throwing right hander was initially drafted by the Detroit Tigers after graduating from Hamtramck High School. Rather than sign with the Tigers, he chose to attend SC4 to play for legendary Skippers coach, Dick Groch. His choice paid off as he was selected by the Houston Astros as the 3rd overall pick in the 1st round of the 1971 MLB Draft.
“Doug was not only tied to a pitcher's body, he had strength, sound mechanics, and quality of pitches,” said Groch. “What separated him was the components beyond the tools, his work ethic, the ability to adjust, handle failure and compete. He had the components for success that you can't teach.”
Just two years after playing for the Skippers, Konieczny made his major league debut with the Astros in 1973 at the age of 21. Doug started 29 games for the Astros during the 1975 season while pitching four complete games. During that same season he threw his only MLB shutout on May 30th against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just two walks and striking out eight batters. Doug finished his four seasons in the big leagues with over 100 strikeouts.
Doug’s favorite memory from SC4 was having a conditioning drill named after his heritage due to being so “weak” in performing it. It was dubbed “The Polish Power Drill” by Coach Dick Groch. When asked for his greatest athletic achievement he simply said, “Surviving the Polish Power Drill!”
Konieczny lives in Texas.
