Olejko, Alex

Alex Olejko – (2004)

 

Anyone who meets Alex “Kiki” Olejko knows they’ve just met a man of great passion. His love for the city of Lorain, his wife and family, and the great game of baseball are the core of his existence.

As a youth, Alex developed his baseball skills and reputation as a competitive athlete on the sandlots of Lorain. New opportunity was availed during his World War 11 assignment, from 1943 thru 1945, with a U.S. Navy ship repair unit at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was selected to play with the Royal Hawaiian team that competed in the Mid-Pacific League. These teams had rosters loaded with many professional baseball players who were serving in the military and included major league players such as John Mize, Stan Musial and Joe DiMaggio. The high level of competition and the year-round play helped to develop his skills and confidence.

Returning home after the war, Alex continued his sports activity in a unique manner. In 1946, he continued his baseball career as a catcher with the Pulaski team in the Lorain Class A league, however he also started a parallel career in the newly popular fast-pitch softball leagues. He quickly earned a reputation as a premier pitcher with the Hahn Manufacturing and Russo-Slav Club teams that were championship caliber teams in local leagues. In 1947, with Russo-Slav, he had a record of 25 and 1 with 15 shutouts.

The 1948 season was baseball only with the Opelika, Alabama Owls, an independent minor league team, that played in the Georgia-Alabama League. His minor league career was abandoned due to economics and his upcoming marriage to a young lady in his life. He was granted a release from his professional contract.

Alex resumed his sandlot baseball career, during the period from 1949 thru 1954, as a player with the strong National Tube Company and Lawson Lumber teams that were perennial champions in the Lorain and Lakewood Class A leagues as well as in tournament competition.

Concurrently, he continued his play in fast-pitch softball with such teams as Hart Jewelers, Koscho Tavern, United Polish Club, Nickoloff Builders and Old Dutch Brewers that won numerous championships including District and State honors.

As his playing days concluded, Kiki embarked, in 1957, on a political career that would span nearly four decades. From service as a Councilman to President of Council, he served as Mayor from 1984 through 1996 when he retired undefeated. In 1991, he was named the Polish Man of the Year by the Alliance of Poles.

Helen, his wife for over fifty years, and their seven children with fourteen grandchildren can take pride in his legacy. Alex Olejko brings honor and pride to every aspect of his life.