A right-handed batter and thrower who stood 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighed 175 pounds (79 kg), Goryl apprenticed in the farm systems of the Boston / Milwaukee Braves and Chicago Cubs for seven full seasons beginning in 1951.

During his second stint as a Minnesota coach in 1980 he was named successor to manager Gene Mauch on August 25.

The Twins won 23 of their final 36 games that season, to improve from sixth to third place in the American League West, but when they faltered coming out of the gate in 1981 — losing 25 of their first 36 games — Goryl was replaced by one of his coaches, Billy Gardner.

After his release from the Twins, Goryl joined the Cleveland Indians' organization as a Major League coach (1982–88; 1997–98) and development official in the Indians' minor league system, continuing into the present day as special adviser/player development.

Goryl won the Mike Coolbaugh Award in 2012 for his work ethic, knowledge of the game, and mentoring of young players.