Pawlak, Leo

Leo Pawlak – (1981)

 

LEO PAWLAK
Inducted April 29, 1981

Blessed with remarkable physical skills, he won All-Lake Erie League and All-Ohio honors as a halfback for the powerful 1943 Lorain High football squad, swept to countless track championships as a swift sprinter, and later earned All-State recognition while leading his softball team to the Ohio crown.

His outstanding speed and strength were showcased on the gridiron, as he sparked coach Harold Pryor’s Steelmen to a two-year record of 14-2-2 during the early ’40s. In addition to his long jaunts from scrimmage, he ran back punts and kickoffs, kicked from placement, and was the LEHI scoring king. Coach Pryor called him “a rare talent, with unlimited natural ability.”

He was the Lake Erie League champion in both the 100 and 220-yard dashes, logging a 9.9 time in the 100, and also displayed exceptional skill in the Discus and Pole Vault. Teammate Bob Renney was his only serious competition in the sprint events.

On the baseball diamond he was sensational as a shortstop with such teams as Elks, Anchors and Pulaski’s, and the potent Pulaski’s nine won the city “A” crown. Approached by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization after high school graduation, he chose instead to enter the U.S. Navy to serve during World War II. Following the war he performed for city champion Yale Clothes. He and his equally famous older brother, Hall-of-Famer Frank (“Hawks”), dominated the local sports scene during this period.

As a hard-hitting third baseman for Fatty’s Sports Club, he paced the Hall-of-Fame softball squad to the Ohio title in 1952, and was named to the All-State team.

Joining the Lorain Sobel Jewelers professional softball team, he played brilliantly in such cities as Chicago, Toledo, Detroit, Cleveland and Fort Wayne.

Mr. Pawlak is a supervisor with the Ohio Edison Company, having served as an employee for more than 35 years. He is the proud father of five children.