On March 17, 2020, the Panther Valley area lost one of its most gifted athletes named Robert “Bob” Polinsky. His pitching and basketball skills were second to none. His devotion to his wife, Karen, and three daughters, Katy, Kelly and Robyn were unparalleled.

Bob (as his grandsons called him) started his athletic skills at an early age. His four years in Lansford Little League were outstanding. Bob even led St. Michael’s Catholic School to the Panther Valley CYO Title in 1964. Which in high school, Bob led Panther Valley to two district 11 titles in 1968 and 1969.

He then moved on to Delaware Valley College, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. After college, Bob was drafted by the New York Yankees, where he played for 7 years. Three of Bob’s most proud accomplishments were being inducted into the Delaware Valley College Hall of Fame, Carbon County Hall of Fame, and runner-up MVP in the triple AAA baseball system. When Bob retired, he helped the local High School Baseball team in Batavia, Illinois, as their pitching coach.

Bob may have left Lansford after he graduated from Panther Valley in 1969, but he never forgot where he came from. Not only did he come back to visit his friends and family numerous times a year, but we remained just as close in 2020 as we were in 1964.

People may know him as a gifted athlete, but he was an even better person and friend.

Sincerely,

John “Chet” Michalik

Proud Friend of Bob Polinsky for 50+ years

Summit Hill