Narleski was an overpowering pitcher with a blazing fastball which he mixed with a sharp-breaking curve and a change-up that can kept hitters guessing. Unfortunately, Narleski had a simple problem: he was overshadowed by one of the greatest pitching staffs in major league history, the Indians Big FourBob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn and Mike Garcia. Nevertheless, in his rookie season Narleski posted 13 saves for the 1954 AL Champions. In 1955 he went 9–1 and led the league with 19 saves and 60 appearances, and in 1957 he finished 11–5 with 16 saves. At this time, he gradually joined the starting rotation.
In 1958 Narleski went 13–10 in 44 games, 24 as a starter. At the end of the season he was sent to Detroit along with bullpen teammate Don Mossi, in the same trade that brought Billy Martin to the Indians. Hampered by shoulder problems in 1959, Narleski finished 4–12 with a 5.78 ERA and five saves in 42 games. Narleski missed[3] the entire 1960 season due to a ruptured disc that required surgery.[4] Narleski went to Tigers spring training camp in 1961 but quit the club when Detroit wouldn't tell him whether he would make the roster or not.[5] Narleski saying "I won't go back to the minors", because it "means another year out of my arm and I'm too old for that."[6]
Narleski was selected to the Top 100 Greatest Indians Roster[7] as part of the club's 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2001.
^Staff. "Chronicling local legends", The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 4, 2004. Accessed November 22, 2013. "Narleski, who was born in Camden and played at Collingswood High, is the relief pitcher, and Burlington's Eddie Miksis is the utility player."
