Stosh "Box" Bilski
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Stosh "Box" Bilski (March 17, 1906 - April 10, 1942) is generally recognized as being the first Polish football player to gain national acclaim. Born in Gorzów, Poland, Bilski emigrated to the United States when he was 19, and settled in Brooklyn, New York. He then worked a variety of menial labor jobs until being imprisoned for murdering a man in a bar fight, after a particularly rowdy night of boxed vodka consumption, earning him his nickname. As luck would have it the Defensive Coordinator for the Brickley's Giants Football team witnessed the ordeal, and was impressed with Box's burl, agility, and virility. Following a three month stint in Riker's Island, Box was set free for good behavior and moved to Long Island with his recently immigrated father, Stosh Bilski Sr. Soon afterwards Box was recruited by Brickley's Giants, and began his storied career. Box died after sustaining his fourteenth concussion on April 10, 1942, and will always be remembered as a champion among Polish American citizenry. His picture adorns above the doorways of many Polish American Citizen's Clubs to this day.
