Overshadowed on an all-star Cleveland pitching staff, Narleski used a blazing fastball and excellent control to lead the 1954 AL champions with 13 saves as a rookie. In 1955, he led the league with 19 saves, eight relief wins, and 60 appearances. He gradually drew more starting assignments, then was sent to Detroit with bullpen companion Don Mossi in a November 1958 trade for Billy Martin. Expected to be the Tigers’ relief ace, Narleski was 4-12 with a 5.78 ERA in 1959. Ray’s father, Bill Narleski, was a Red Sox infielder in 1929-30.
