Kush “had a natural sidearm sinker and a pretty good curve,” according to Cubs manager Charlie Grimm, who recommended Chicago sign him after he tried out on a whim. He pitched mostly in relief and was 9-2 in 1946 and 8-3 the next year before arm trouble and an operation curtailed his career. Considered something of a jinxed pitcher, he often spoke of a 1948 incident. With the Cubs leading by two runs in the ninth with two out and two on, his centerfielder knocked himself cold crashing into the wall pursuing a fly ball. Before another outfielder recovered the ball, the batter circled the bases for a game-winning homer.
