Walt Gorinski Explained

Walt Gorinski
Birth Date:31 May 1921
Birth Place:Latrobe, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death Place:Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lbs:207
Position1:Halfback
College:LSU
High School:Hurst High School
Nfldraftedyear:1943
Nfldraftedround:17
Nfldraftedpick:152
Nfldraftedteam:Philadelphia Eagles
Nfl:GOR424784
Playing Years1:1946
Playing Team1:Pittsburgh Steelers

Walter A. Gorinski (December 20, 1919 – July 3, 1977) was a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After attending Hurst High School, located in Norvelt, Pennsylvania, Gorinski attended and played college football at Louisiana State University. Gorinski made his professional debut in the NFL in 1946 with the Steelers. He played his entire 1-year career for Pittsburgh. He is the uncle of Bob Gorinski, a designated hitter with the Minnesota Twins in .

Many sources state that Gorinski attended Mount Pleasant Area High School, located in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. However, the school was not open until 1961 well after Gorinski's graduation in 1938.[1]

NFL

Gorinski was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 17th round (152nd overall) of the 1943 draft.[2] That year the Steelers and the Eagles merged their teams during the 1943 season and became the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh "Steagles". The merger was dissolved after the 1943 season, as it was not intended to be permanent. The Eagles, received enough players back from the war and resumed their traditional operation. Gorinski did not play with the merged teams he played only one season with the Steelers in 1946.[3]

College

On November 29, 1941, with Gorinski in at fullback, the LSU Tigers defeated Tulane 19-0 in New Orleans. This victory resulted in the Tiger Rag being awarded to LSU.[4] In 1942, Gorinski was awarded LSU's Percy E. Roberts MVP Award, which is presented to the athletes selected as the most valuable offensive and defensive players.[5]

Notes and References

  1. News: Hurst 1927. Great Pennsylvania Teams. Hal . Wilson . February 17, 2012.
  2. News: 1943 NFL Draft. Pro Football Researchers Association. 8. 6. 1986. February 17, 2012. February 26, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120226110157/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/Coffin_Corner/08-06-273.pdf. dead.
  3. News: Tigers in the Pros. Louisiana State University. 5 . February 20, 2012.
  4. News: LSU Defeats Tulane. Galveston Daily News. 10 . November 30, 1941. February 20, 2012.
  5. News: Team Awards. 9. LSUSports.net. February 20, 2012. July 26, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150726015947/http://www.lsusports.net/src/data/lsu/assets/docs/fb/pdf/05fbguide158-176.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=5200. dead.