Borkowski originally signed with the Cubs as a pitcher in 1946. In his first professional season, he posted an 18–9 record with a 3.46 ERA in the Class-D Appalachian League. He also played nearly 100 games in the outfield and hit a .384 batting average in 104 games.[1] Borkowski was then converted into a full-time outfielder.[2]
In 1949, Borkowski batted .376 with the Nashville Vols to win the Double-A Southern Association batting title, gaining a promotion to the Cubs the following season. Overall, Borkowski hit .273 and slugged .379 in 85 games as a rookie. Nevertheless, in 1951 he slumped badly with the Cubs and was traded to Cincinnati, where he played his only full major league season in 1952.
After that, Borkowski was dealt to the Dodgers in 1955 and hit .105 in nine games before being sent down to the minors. He then played three seasons in AAA before retiring from baseball in 1958.
In 470 games over six seasons, Borkowski posted a .251 batting average (294-for-1170) with 126 runs, 16 home runs and 112 RBIs. Defensively, he recorded a .980 fielding percentage playing at all three outfield positions and first base.
Borkowski died on November 18, 2017, at the age of 91.[3]
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