Johnny Gorsica

John Joseph Perry "Johnny" Gorsica, born "John Joseph Perry Gorczyca" (March 29, 1915 - December 16, 1998) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played seven seasons for the Detroit Tigers from 1940-1947. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Gorsica went to West Virginia University before making his debut with the Tigers on April 22, 1940 at age 25. Gorsica started out playing first base, but made the Tigers in 1940 after just two seasons as a pitcher. [http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Johnny_Gorsica_1915] Relying on an overhand sinkerball, he both started and relieved. Gorsica played in 204 games for the Tigers, 22 as a starter and the rest as a reliever. He compiled a record of 31-39 with an ERA of 4.18. He was among the league leaders in saves three straight years from 1942-1944. Gorsica excelled in the 1940 World Series for Detroit, allowing only 1 run for a 0.79 ERA in 11-1/3 innings, and striking out 4. He pitched 4-1/3 innings in Game 2 and 6-1/3 innings in Game 6, both times coming in to relieve starter Schoolboy Rowe. Gorsica's final big league game was on September 17, 1947. Gorsica died 51 years later at age 83 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

External links

* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/gorsijo01.shtml Baseball-Reference.com]
* [http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gorsijo01 Baseball Almanac]
* [http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Johnny_Gorsica_1915 Baseball Library]