In the nest of the Polish Eagle
In addition to being the voice of the Minnesota Golden Gophers at men's basketball and baseball games, Dick Jonckowski has accumulated a sprawling collection of sports memorabilia in his Shakopee home.
Dick Jonckowski entertains fans during a Gophers baseball game March 25 at the Metrodome. Jonckowski is in his 24th year announcing Gophers baseball.
Jonckowski's booming voice fills the Metrodome from the press box during a Gophers baseball game on March 25.
Dick Jonckowski's wife, Arlene, says that by her count he has accumulated more than 500 bobbleheads.
Arlene Jonckowski chastises her husband for failing to address the sprawl of his sports memorabilia collection. “It’s a hobby, it’s a habit, but it’s an obsession too, and that’s where you kind of draw the line,” she said.
Jonckowski’s wife, Arlene, and their children presented Dick with a bust of his head for his 60th birthday. Jonckowski, a childhood Philadelphia Eagles fan, took his nickname while working as a car salesman.
Dick Jonckowski's massive collection extends into the garage and even as far as his son's old bedroom. Besides being the voice of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Jonckowski's side work has ranged from weddings to playing Pope John Paul II.
Serving the University of Minnesota Community since 1900