Last Updated: April 15th, 2024 by Jake Cain
Steve Carlton’s career was full of jaw-dropping moments and remarkable achievements. “Lefty” is one baseball’s most celebrated pitchers and perhaps the best left-handed starting pitcher of all-time.
Let’s take a journey through some of the biggest achievements and memorable moments of his legendary career.
The 15 Game Winning Streak
In a display of dominance rarely seen in the game, Steve Carlton powered through a 15-game winning streak during the 1972 season. This stretch not only showcased his resilience but also highlighted his uncanny ability to outsmart hitters when it mattered most.
Making this feat even more impressive, Carlton achieved it with the Phillies, a team that finished the season with a terrible record, demonstrating just how dominant he was on the mound. In fact, Carton won 27 games that season for a team that only won 59 games.
Carlton’s 45.8% of team wins is the modern era (since 1900) record for the AL/NL.
Slider Mastery: The Day Carlton Struck Out 19 Mets
Following his incredible 15-game winning streak, Steve Carlton’s slider continued to dazzle, reaching a career highlight against the New York Mets. On September 15, 1969, in a performance that still echoes through baseball history, Carlton showcased his exceptional slider, striking out 19 Mets.
This feat not only marked a personal best for Carlton but also tied the then-existing record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game, cementing his status as one of the game’s dominant pitchers.
Club 4K: Carlton Joins the Elite Strikeout Circle
Entering the elite club of pitchers with 4,000 strikeouts, Steve Carlton marked another unforgettable moment in his career on April 29, 1981. He became the second pitcher in baseball history to reach this milestone, underscoring his dominance on the mound.
He’s still #2 on the left-handed pitching strikeout list, behind only Randy Johnson.
3,000 Ks and Counting: Carlton’s First Legendary Milestone
On April 29, 1981, he not only showcased his enduring skill and precision but also etched his name deeply into baseball history by becoming just the second pitcher to achieve this feat.
This milestone, a testament to Carlton’s exceptional ability to dominate hitters, further cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers.
300 Wins: Carlton’s Pitching Prowess Proves Unstoppable
Securing 300 wins is a milestone that stamps a pitcher’s name in the history books, and Steve Carlton did just that on September 23, 1983.
This achievement made him the 16th player in MLB history to hit this mark, joining the ranks of pitching legends and further proving his mettle as one of the game’s greats.
In fact, only 24 pitchers in baseball history have reached the 300 win milestone.
Hall of Fame Glory: Carlton’s Unanimous Triumph
Steve Carlton received an overwhelming nod into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994, capturing 95.82% of the ballot. The Philadelphia Phillies celebrated his legacy by retiring his number 32 jersey in 1989, and later, in 2004, they commemorated his impact with a statue at Citizens Bank Park.
Postseason Hero: Carlton’s Decisive World Series Win
Steve Carlton’s role in the 1980 World Series cemented his status as a postseason hero. In a critical Game 2 against the Kansas City Royals, he pitched a complete game, leading the Phillies to a 6-1 victory. This win was pivotal, setting the tone for the series and helping the Phillies clinch their first-ever World Series title.
A Near-Miss Legacy: Carlton’s Six One-Hitters
Steve Carlton’s knack for almost-perfect games is legendary, marking him out as a master of the mound. In six different outings, he came tantalizingly close to pitching no-hitters, only giving up a single hit in each of these games. Unfortunately, Steve never threw a no-hitter in his career but 6 one-hitters is quite a feat in its own right.
Final Curtain: Carlton’s Last Victory Marks a Legendary Career
Steve Carlton’s journey through baseball’s highs and lows was nothing short of legendary. From striking out 19 batters in a single game to joining the exclusive 4,000 strikeouts club, his career was marked by moments that baseball fans will talk about for generations.
His role in the Phillies’ first World Series title and his knack for shining in the postseason spotlight showcased not just his skill but his ability to perform under pressure.