His teammates and manager said he had a poised demeanor about him that was typical of someone much older and more experienced. His poise has paid off, as the 18-year-old turned in a sparkling season and has been named the winner of the International High Schools Reliever of the Year Award for 1952.
The Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium native won the award with 6 saves in 19 relief appearances, 14 strikeouts in 23.2 innings and a record of 1-1 to go with his 1.52 ERA.