 Pavletich was a graduate of Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin and was signed as an amateur free agent in 1956 by the Reds.Pavletich made his Major League debut at the young age of 18 on April 20, 1957, in a 5–4 loss to the Milwaukee Braves at County Stadium, grounding out as a pinch-hitter for Hal Jeffcoat against Ray Crone.It was his only Major League appearance and at-bat of the season, and he also made one hitless at bat in one appearance in the 1959 season.