Gabler was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Frederick and Dora (Knake) Gabler. He had one brother, Frederick.
Gabler graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1949 and was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent after graduation.
Gabler pitched for Class-D Belleville Stags in 1949 and Independence Yankees in 1950 posting losing records with ERAs above 4.00 in both seasons. He moved up to Class C for the 1951 season, but posted another mediocre season, going 10-13 with a 4.50 ERA split between the Twin Falls Cowboys and Joplin Miners, while also walking 138 batters in just 186 innings.

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