Steve Carlton

Steve Carlton, born in 1944, was a dominant pitcher whose career spanned from 1965 to 1988. Known for his fierce competitiveness and exceptional skill on the mound, Carlton accumulated a career record of 329-244 and finished with an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.22. Over his 24-season tenure in Major League Baseball, he recorded a remarkable 4,136 strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in the history of the game. Carlton also contributed to his teams with two saves, showcasing his versatility as a pitcher. A four-time Cy Young Award winner, Carlton's excellence on the field was recognized repeatedly, and he was selected as an All-Star ten times throughout his career. His influence extended beyond mere statistics; Carlton was known for his distinctive fastball and devastating slider, which became a hallmark of his pitching style. He played a significant role during a transformative era in baseball, navigating the transition from the deadball era to a time of heightened offensive production. Carlton was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in the sport's history.