He was 18 years old in 1930 when he entered professional baseball with the Johnstown Johnnies of the Middle Atlantic League. Between 1931 and 1934, he registered double-digit wins, earning a promotion to the major leagues in 1934.
In 1930 at age 18, he entered professional baseball with the Johnstown Johnnies of the Middle Atlantic League. Between 1931 and 1934, he recorded double-digit wins, which resulted in a move to the major leagues in 1934.