Johnny Krifka played brilliantly for 18 years as a fine defensive third baseman with a “gun” for an arm. His fine defensive play was complemented by his hitting. Batting from the right side, Johnny was a great curveball hitter with power. He went six years without striking out in the Munys. In four years of play, Krifka led McKinley High to the 1934 Public School championship. At the same time, he was starring for the Hatzfield Post Legion Team, District Champs. The St. Louis Browns awarded him a season pass as an outstanding player in the High School League. John played professionally for five years and military ball for another five. He was a clutch performer in the big games. Krifka also managed and coached in the Khoury Leagues for 10 years and was instrumental in converting Jerry Reuss from a kid first baseman into a great left-handed pitcher.