Bartolik started his career with the youth team of KS Gdynia before starting his professional career with Arka Gdynia in 1937-38, and Gedania Danzig from 1938-39. In 1939 Gedania Danzig was banned from partaking in sports events by the Nazi Party during the Occupation of Poland. Due to the outbreak of World War II Bartolik was moved to Krakow, where he played for Wisla Krakow, Garbarnia Kraków, and Groble Kraków from 1940-44 playing in the underground Kraków Occupation Championships. After the war ended he moved back to Danzig, now named Gdańsk, to play for Gedania Gdańsk (the same team re-created after its banning in 1939). After three years Bartolik moved to Bałtyk Gdynia where he became a player manager.