At 21, Steve Carlton was a quick study in learning the art of pitching. Combining skill with knowledge, Carlton earned his first big-league win with the Cardinals 50 years ago on Aug. 5, 1966.
Mixing a changeup with a fastball and curve, Carlton pitched a complete game in the Cardinals’ 7-1 victory over the Mets at Shea Stadium in New York.
“Up here you need that third pitch, especially when you’re having trouble with either your fastball or your curve,” Carlton said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I wasn’t getting my curve over this time.”
It was the first of 329 regular-season wins for Carlton in his 24 years in the big leagues. He ranks second all-time in wins among left-handers. Only Warren Spahn (363) has more.
Carlton earned 77 wins in seven years (1965-71) with the Cardinals before he was traded to the Phillies.
Hall of Fame game
In 1965, Carlton made his big-league debut with the Cardinals. He made 15 appearances, including two starts, that season and had an 0-0 record.
Carlton opened the 1966 season with Tulsa. He had a 9-5 record and 3.59 ERA in 19 starts for the Class AAA club.
On July 25, 1966, the Cardinals and Twins played an exhibition game as part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction festivities at Cooperstown, N.Y. Not wanting to use one of their starters, the Cardinals gave the assignment to Carlton, who still was on the Tulsa roster.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Carlton impressed. He pitched a complete game and struck out 10 in a 7-5 Cardinals victory. Four of the runs scored by the Twins were unearned.
Liking what they saw, the Cardinals put Carlton on their roster and gave him a start against the Dodgers on July 31. Carlton pitched four innings, yielded two runs and didn’t get a decision.
Pitch like a pro
Five days later, with the Cardinals looking to shake a five-game losing streak, Carlton got the start against the Mets.
The leadoff batter reached base in four of the first five innings against Carlton, but the Mets scored just once.
Carlton held the Mets hitless over the last four innings.
The Mets totaled six hits: five singles and a Ken Boyer double.
“The kid has a nice, easy motion and pitches as if he’s been around for 10 years,” said Mets manager Wes Westrum. “His ball is really live.”
Said Carlton: “I was getting the ball in good spots this time, but I still was putting too many men on base. Red Schoendienst (Cardinals manager) was nice going with me as long as he did.”
Carlton was supported by three Cardinals home runs, including a three-run shot from his catcher, Tim McCarver. Julian Javier contributed a two-run home run and Tito Francona had a solo shot. Boxscore
Carlton made nine starts for the 1966 Cardinals, posting a 3-3 record and 3.12 ERA.
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