Phillie fans watched in amazement during the ’72 to ’86 run of their great pitcher, Steve Carlton. For most of his baseball career he wore the Philadelphia uniform for the Phillies. Was actually part of three (3) different ball clubs with each winning a World Series with him a part of them. During his major league career he did have his personal ups and downs, keeping his pitching steady, which he had designed around that deadly slider of his. He also received four (4) Cy Young Awards and his teammates and his opponents respect as well. Carlton did not start of end his career wearing the Phillies uniform, but he is best remembered from the time he wore their uniform.

With Love from St. Louis

In the ’65 season, Carlton first began his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Making an almost immediate impact on the club, with the Cardinals they went into the 1967 World Series and the ’68 Series as well. The ’67 campaign began the first of his World Series that he held titles for. And most importantly, during this part of Carlton’s career, he didn’t even begin to play or start his slider, this is a pitch he’d master later on in his career. Even still he was a powerful weapon on the mound, with or without his slider mastered.

Phillies receive a Winner

In 1972 when Carlton came to Philadelphia, he did not look back. His first season he produced 27y victories, that number is remarkable since the entire team win just 59 of their games that year. But he lost twenty of the games for the team the following season, however the analysts said that his Phillies couldn’t offer him sound defense or running support in that season. The Phillies finished that season at rock bottom in standings. Then in the 1980 World Series he pitched two victories that won the two games. Still his most amazing actions are yet to come.

Nolan and Carlton Battle

In the 80s season it was Carlton and Nolan Ryan who were going to be engaged in battle for the strikeout record in pitching. While Ryan had passed Walt Johnson, the former holder of the record, during the ’83 season, Carlton soon went pass Ryan in the record. Over the next two (2) years the 2 pitchers would keep trading the record and breaking their records. They took lead with this record that went back and forth from one to the other 19 times. A thrilling suspenseful battle that had the fans and the entire nation watching at attention.

Although Carlton is long retired, he is still in 4th place for baseballs all-time strikeout list. Being only 2nd to Randy Johnson. One of the greatest when it came to left-hand pitchers. He was traded in 1986, which started the beginning of him being on four rosters for other teams before he decided to retire. Then winning the World Series with Minnesota but keeping him remembered for the great role that he played while with the Phillies team.

Author Bio: Ivan Jamison is a big sports fan. You can check out his Philadelphia Phillies Watch or his Los Angeles Dodgers Watch or his New York Mets Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: Philadelphia Phillies