Born August 1, 1925 in Staten Island, New York, "Bambi" continued to reside there in the off-seasons. Of German descent, he attended McKee Vocational high on Staten Island. He served in the Army for two years, then started his pro career in 1946 with Erie of the Middle Atlantic loop. He lost his first start but then won nine in a row. That year he had an ERA of 1.35, an all-time Middle Atlantic league record. It also was his best year.

In 1947 he pitched 33 games, with an ERA of 3.49, for Manchester of the New England league. In 1948 and 1949 he pitched for Jersey City in the International League.

In 1950, he was provided to Oakland by the New York Giants, along with Hank Behrman, to beef up the Oaks' pitching staff. "Bambi" went 17-8 that season. He then went to Ottawa before being called back to the majors, where he pitched two games for the Giants in 1951.

In 1952, the Giants again sent him to Oakland on option. In half a season, he went 14-6 with a 2.88 ERA, and was manager Mel Ott's most effective pitcher that season. He stayed with the Oaks until they moved to Vancouver in 1955. During the off season he was a basketball director for the Police Athletic League on Staten Island. Says he will never forget Fathers' Day on June 17, 1951.