Zabel's journey to the majors began after attending Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1916. His academic achievements were paralleled by his athletic prowess on the baseball field, leading to his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on October 5, 1913.
The highlight of Zabel's baseball career came on June 17, 1915, in a remarkable game against the Brooklyn Robins (now the Los Angeles Dodgers). Zabel entered the game in relief with two outs in the first inning and proceeded to pitch the final 18+1⁄3 innings, earning the win in a performance that remains a major league record for relief innings pitched in a single game. This Herculean effort showcased Zabel's endurance and skill, marking him as a standout pitcher of his era.
However, the aftermath of this record-setting game led to arm trouble for Zabel, affecting his ability to continue playing at the major league level. He made just one more start in the majors following this appearance. Zabel then spent two years playing in the minor leagues for teams in Los Angeles and Toronto before retiring from professional baseball in July 1917.
After his baseball career, Zabel transitioned into a successful career with Fairbanks Morse in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he rose to the position of chief metallurgist. His work in this field spanned 32 years, demonstrating his versatility and intellect beyond the baseball diamond.
In addition to his professional achievements, Zabel remained active in sports, playing for Beloit's city baseball team for a season. In 1919, he also served as a referee for Beloit's city football team, including a notably controversial game between the Green Bay Packers and Beloit, where Zabel's officiating drew criticism from the Packers' management for several contentious calls.
Zip Zabel's legacy in baseball is defined by his extraordinary relief pitching record, a testament to his durability and talent as a pitcher. Despite the brevity of his major league career and the challenges he faced, Zabel's contributions to the sport and his subsequent success in his post-baseball career reflect a life of remarkable achievement and adaptability.
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