Chonko, Ernie

 

Ernie Chonko – (1991)

 

ERNIE CHONKA

Affectionately dubbed the “Clown Prince” by his teammates, Ernie Chonka had a love for sports and a zest for life. It was his relish of the “Good Times” that shortened his athletic career and ended his life.

Baseball was Ernie’s first love and he began his career on the sandlots of Lorain. By the time he was 16 he had improved his pitching repertoire in such fashion that Lorain coaches and other organized scouts recognized his potential. It worked out well for Ernie since varsity baseball was not in the sport retinue at Lorain High during the later “Depression” years. He hoped to enter Class A or Class B ball to launch his career in organized baseball. He had already impressed Ed Molnar who had banded together a group of unsponsored players looking for a Class B backer. When Molnar impressed Steve Chick sufficiently to sponsor the team, Ernie was on his way. Bowing in the “B” finals the first year the Dairymen entered Class A the following year. Chonka’s hopping fastball and snapping curve gave opponents fits.

Upon entering Ohio State Ernie was an immediate success as a frosh pitcher during the spring quarter. By the time he had finished his first season at OSU and the ensuing summer with the Chicks, scouts were prevalent. Bill Wamby, former Indians star of the twenties, won the battle of the pens as Ernie inked a New York Yankee contract. He was assigned to their Class D Farm Club at Butler, PA. His speed, curve and rookie record were the credentials that secured Ernie’s promotion to the Yankee Class B Club at Ashland, KY the ensuing year. The season opened with great promise for Ernie, his arm was strong, the control was good and he posted an enviable record in the early part of the year. By mid-season Ernie was tired of the traveling and the boring life. By seasons end Ernie’s “Good Times” side had taken over and he returned to Lorain.

After the war years Ernie rejoined Chicks and played with the Pulaskis in the Cleveland A League. Twice he struck out 18 batters and he hurled three no-hitters. One of his top performances with the Pulaskis was a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in Cleveland to the champion Fisher Foods before 30,000 fans. He closed out his career with the Dairymen, helping them win several city titles.

When the winters came Ernie turned to basketball and bowling. After one year of basketball and a disagreement with the coach, he joined with Dan Moger and Ed Majoras in leading Hungarian Reform to a championship. After the war he played with Standard Cleaners Lorain’s top quintet and the Cleveland Ace Box Lunches one of top amateur fives in the country.

Ernie’s final years were wrapped up bowling. He competed in the Andorka Major B and several Classic Leagues. His bowling ball hook was as good as his baseball hook as he averaged 190-200 pins. Eventually the “Good Times” turned to bad and Ernie died of a ruptured ulcer at age 38.

*WELCOME ERNIE CHONKA TO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*