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 20-year-old turned in a sparkling season and has been named the winner of the TOBA Junior College Reliever of the Year Award for 1953.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native won the award with 11 saves in 27 relief appearances, 17 strikeouts in 32 innings and a record of 3-1 to go with his 1.97 ERA.