Danicki, Alfred “Fritz”

 

Alfred “Fritz” Danicki – (1986)

 

Alfred “fritz” Danicki

Fast pitch softball leagues and tournaments in Ohio were spawning grounds for a number of illustrious hurlers in the 1950’s. Along with John Skolnicki, Rip Riley and Tod Kinney — ”Fritz” Danicki had solid credentials to join the elite group.

Before his softball career, ”Fritz” dabbled in high school football and Class ”C” baseball and left for three years service in the U. S. Navy in World War II. He served both in the Atlantic and the Pacific on a Destroyer Escort. In the Pacific he was in the invasion of Leyte, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. At Okinawa in May 1945 his ship was extensively damaged by a Kamikaze pilot and he returned from the war.

Discharged in February 1946, Fritz settled into softball. In 1947 he joined the Allmen Transfer team in a traveling league over Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. In 1948 and 1949, he pitched Slims Recreation to city-county and district championships.

Joining Fattys Sports in 1950, he participated in the county and district championships during 1950 and 1951. In 1952 Fritz and Fattys hit the jackpot with a State Championship. Fritz won the first game 5-1 over Canton Road Furniture and the championship game against Popes Inn 1-0 on August 26, 1952.

During the twilight of his career, Fritz joined the United Polish Club in 1955 through 1957. He led the team to championships in the City and Big Eight League and to the County and District titles. Lorain Journal Sports Editor, Vince Sikora, aptly chronicled ”A softball team is only as good as its pitching, and UPC success in Lorain County and District tournaments is attributable to the strong right arm of Fritz Danicki. As he goes, so goes UPC. When you want a big game you can count on Fritz”.

For the record:

17 No Hit Games County Record 19 K’s One Game
8 One Hit Games Over 1000 Career K’s
88 Strike Outs in 6 Games — District Tournament
Pitched for teams winning over 25 Championships.