The native of Yonkers, New York, threw and batted right-handed, stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 185 pounds (84 kg).

He was a veteran of the United States Army who served during World War II.

[2] Garbowski was selected from the unaffiliated Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League in the 1951 Rule 5 draft and made the Tigers' 28-man, early-season roster out of spring training in 1952.

In both his pinch running appearances, he substituted for slow-footed Detroit catcher Matt Batts, on April 16 against the St. Louis Browns[3] and on May 9 against the Chicago White Sox.

He was sent to Detroit's Triple-A Buffalo Bisons affiliate on May 13 when rosters were cut to 25 men.