Joseph "Kidd" Szakal, 94, Avid Bowler, Successful Baseball Player

Born April 10, 1908 in Lorain, he has lived in Elyria Township since 1937.

With over 44 years of service, Joseph retired in 1973 from the #3 Seamless Pipe Mill Dept. of Lorain Works US Steel, where he worked as a High Mill Plugger.

He was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Lorain, and the church's former Holy Name Society where he received the Bronze Medallion Circle award from the Diocese of Cleveland. He was also a member of St. Lad's Sick Benefit Society, the Hungarian Friends Society, and the United Steel Workers Union Local 1104.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening and was an avid bowler on leagues at Saxon Club, Croatian Club, and Rebman's Recreation.

Joseph had a successful career playing baseball with team's equivalent the Minor Leagues that started in 1924 and continued through the late 1930's. Referred to as a "hurler", "Kidd" was well known for his fast pitching. He was once scouted by Walter Johnson of the Cleveland Indians. He played for many different teams in the area including, Penz Oil, Aztec Indians, Hungarian Democrats, Verhovai, Sandrew, Grove Avenue Merchants, and Dusky Brothers. A highlight in his baseball career was the day he pitched again the Toledo Mud Hens and won.

Surviving is his son, Joseph J. Szakal, of Elyria, daughter, Mrs. Jeno "Ilona" Kiss, of Amherst, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren and a sister, Julia Kerekes.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helen (nee Pummer) in 1987, parents, Mikaly "Michael" and Anna (nee Spisak) Szakal, a step-daughter, Eleanora Rupp, in 1989, grandson, Eugene Kiss, in 1997, brothers Dash, Steve, Michael, and John Sakal, a sister, Irene Sakach.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, from 4-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain where funeral services will be Thursday, September 5, at 9:30 a.m. followed by mass at 10:00 at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Patrick Shields, Administrator, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Contributions can be made if desired to New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, 44035.