Johnny Goryl's journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Chicago Cubs. As an infielder, Goryl made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1957. His time with the team was marked by his role as a utility player, primarily covering second base and third base. Goryl's tenure with the Cubs lasted until 1959, after which he was traded to the Cleveland Indians.

With the Indians, Goryl continued to play as an infielder, contributing to the team both defensively and offensively. His major league playing career spanned until 1964, during which he played in a total of 276 games. Throughout his playing years, Goryl was known for his steady presence on the field, although he did not achieve standout statistics. His career batting average was .225, with 7 home runs and 48 runs batted in.

After his playing days concluded, Goryl transitioned into coaching and managing, where he found a new avenue to contribute to the sport. He began his coaching career in the minor leagues, working with various teams and honing his skills as a mentor and leader. His efforts in the minors eventually led to opportunities in the major leagues.

In 1980, Goryl was appointed as the manager of the Minnesota Twins. His managerial stint with the Twins was brief, lasting parts of two seasons. During his time as manager, Goryl faced the challenges of leading a team through a rebuilding phase. Despite the difficulties, he remained committed to developing young talent and fostering a competitive spirit within the team.

Following his managerial role, Goryl continued to work in baseball, taking on various coaching and scouting positions.