Aberdeen Heights is celebrating one of their own. An event honoring former MLB player Johnny Goryl will be held at Aberdeen Heights on Thursday Aug. 15, 2024.
Aberdeen Heights, a senior living community nestled in the historic Kirkwood suburb, planned the big-league celebration for one of their residents, who resides at the retirement community. Goryl, who is still employed as an advisor to the Cleveland Guardians was recently honored with induction into the club’s Hall of Fame.
“I’ve loved baseball for as long as I can remember,” the 90-year-old Goryl commented. “I’ve been involved with the organization for 44 years and I’m so honored to be included in their Hall of Fame.”
Goryl, who served as bench coach on the then-Cleveland Indians’ 1997 Pennant winning team, played minor league ball with the likes of Hank Aaron and coached such superstars as Rod Carew and Jim Thome. He signed a minor league deal at age 17 for a $250 signing bonus.
“The guys nowadays make a bit more than that,” he quipped.
Goryl played his big-league ball for the Cubs and Twins, but his coaching career has been with the Twins and with Cleveland. He’s coached at the minor and major league levels, including a stint as an interim manager.
“I’ve been blessed to be involved with this great game for multiple decades and I still love it today as much as I did when I was just a kid playing ball on the sandlots,” he smiled.
