We are continuing our  profile of major league players born in Illinois. 

   Mike Kreevich

Michael Andreas Kreevich was born in Mount Olive, Illinois on June 10, 1908. He was a small person at five foot seven and began working in the coal mines in 1924 at 16 years of age. The mines closed during the Great Depression in 1930 and began to play more baseball. He got an invite to play for a team in Oklahoma and before long he got the notice of the Chicago Cubs.

In 1931, Kreevich an outfielder, made his major league debut on September 7, 1931 and went 2-for-4 with a stolen base. He played five games during that season. He joined the White Sox in 1935 and worked hard to become a regular in 1936. In that season he led the American League in sacrifice flies and triples. He was named to the 1938 All Star team.

He was traded to Philadelphia in 1941 and was released upon the conclusion of the season. In 1943 he signed with the St. Louis Browns and was a participant in the 1944 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was sold to the Washington Senators in mid season 1945 and finished out the year and then retired from baseball.

In his 12 year career he batted .283 with 1321 hits, 221 doubles, 75 triples and 45 home runs. He also had 115 stolen bases and 119 sacrifice hits in 1241 games.

He died April 25, 1994 and is buried in Pana, Illinois.