Carl Morton
From BR Bullpen
Carl Wendle Morton
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 200 lb.
- School University of Oklahoma
- Debut April 11, 1969
- Final Game August 21, 1976
- Born January 18, 1944 in Kansas City, MO USA
- Died April 12, 1983 in Tulsa, OK USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Carl Morton signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an outfielder but was converted into a pitcher while in their minor league system. He was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 1968 expansion draft and had a cup of coffee in the majors in 1969. The following year, he became an integral part of the Expos rotation, going 18-11 with a 3.60 ERA and capturing the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Morton was traded to the Atlanta Braves prior to the 1973 season, and he averaged 16 wins a year in his first three years with the club. Prior to the 1976 season, Braves owner Ted Turner signed Morton to a $100,000 a year contract. However, he struggled mightily that year, winning just 4 games, and discovered his lucrative deal was not guaranteed. After that season, Morton was traded to the Texas Rangers, who cut him the next spring. He spent a portion of the 1977 season playing for the Oklahoma City 89ers in the Philadelphia Phillies system and tried to catch on with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the spring of 1978, but he ultimately retired.
Morton suffered a heart attack while jogging and died at age 39.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1970 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 1970 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1970 & 1973-1975)
- 200 innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1970, 1971 & 1973-1975)
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 1970 | 1971 |
| Ted Sizemore | Carl Morton | Earl Williams |
