1976 Topps #328 - Carl Morton

• Carl Morton pitched in the major leagues from 1969-1976. Morton was originally signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1964. He started as an outfielder who dabbled in pitching in 1965. Carl became a full-time pitcher in 1968. After the 1968 season Carl was taken by the Montreal Expos in the expansion draft. He started the 1969 season with the Expos, started five games and then was assigned to AAA Vancouver. Carl came back up to Montreal in September and ended up with an 0-3 record with a 4.60 ERA in 8 games (5 starts).

• Morton was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1970. He went 18-11 with a 3.60 ERA and led the NL with 125 walks. In 1971 Carl's record experienced a reversal. He went 10-18 with a 4.80 ERA. Morton was 7-13 with a 3.92 ERA in 1972. After the 1972 season he was traded to the Braves for Pat Jarvis.

• Carl had three straight winning seasons with the Braves. In 1973 he was 15-10 with a 3.41 ERA. Morton was 16-12 with a 3.15 ERA in 1974 and led the NL with 293 hits allowed. Carl led the NL in hits allowed (302) again in 1975 and was 17-16 with a 3.50 ERA.

• In 1976 Morton slipped to a 4-9 record with a 4.17 ERA in 24 starts. He made his last start of the season on August 21. It ended up being the last start of his career as well. After the 1976 season Carl was traded with four other players and $250,000 to the Texas Rangers for Jeff Burroughs.

• Morton didn't make the Rangers ballclub in 1977 and was released at the end of spring training. The Philadelphia Phillies signed him and assigned him to AAA Oklahoma City. Morton was released by the Phillies after the 1977 season. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978 but was released during spring training.

• Carl Morton died of a heart attack in the driveway of his parents' home after jogging with his son on April 12, 1983 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

• Liked to face: Nate Colbert (.143 in 35 AB); Ken Boswell (.167 in 42 AB); Greg Luzinski (.179 in 39 AB)
• Hated to face: Ron Santo (.486 in 37 AB); Tommy Helms (.457 in 35 AB); Lou Brock (.431 in 58 AB)