"Big Eli Grba (pronounced Gerba) was an effective pitcher for the Richmond farm club when he was brought up to the parent Yankees after the first All-Star Game last summer. He was used as a spot starter and relief man; won his first start against the champion White Sox. But control bothered him late in the season and reduced his effectiveness.
This spring, the 25-year-old bespectacled right-hander from Chicago was working hard and effectively to gain a post on the Yankee club. He has the tools to be a big help. Last winter he starred for Valencia of the Venezuelan League."
-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook
Eli Grba (P) #18
Born August 9, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, where he resides. Height: 6-2, weight: 208. Bats right, throws right.
-The New York Yankees Official 1960 Yearbook
"The 6'2" Chicago native returned to the baseball wars last summer after a two-year hitch in military service and earned a promotion to the varsity after half a season in Richmond.
Before entering service, righty Eli Grba (pronounced Gerba) had been the property of the Boston Red Sox. He broke into Organized Ball in 1953 with Salisbury and in subsequent seasons toiled for Corning, San Jose and San Francisco.
With the International League Virginians, Grba posted a 5-1 mark and had a 2.83 ERA. In 86 innings his strikeout total (72) more than doubled his bases on balls (26).
In 19 appearances with the Yankees, mostly as a middle inning reliever, Eli compiled a 2-5 record. He beat the Chicago White Sox, 6-4, in his first starting assignment on July 19. His control wasn't nearly as sharp in the American League and his ERA ballooned to 6.48 as he issued 39 passes in 50 innings while fanning only 23.
Eli will be 26 in August."
-New York Yankees 1960 Yearbook (Jay Publishing Co.)
"This is Eli Grba's first World Series. Brought up from Richmond early this season after an impressive start with the Yankees' No. 1 farm club, the bespectacled right-hander was helpful as a spot starter and relief man.
A native of Chicago, Ill., Eli was obtained from the Boston organization during his period of minor league development."
-1960 World Series Official Souvenir Program
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