Carl Morton

Carl Wendle Morton

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 200 lb.
• School University of Oklahoma
• High School Webster High School (Tulsa)
• 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

BR page

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 started the 1969 season with the Expos, but was sent down to the minors after a few appearances. In 1970, he became a member of the Expos' rotation, going 18-11 with a 3.60 ERA and capturing the National League Rookie of the Year Award. However, he also led the National League in walks that year, and would regularly experience problems with his control over the next few seasons. In 1971, his record fell to 10-18, 4.80, and in 1972, he was 7-13, with more walks (53) than strikeouts (51).

Morton was traded to the Atlanta Braves prior to the 1973 season in return for Pat Jarvis, 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. 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. He was the first former member of the Expos to pass away.

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

Related Sites

• Carl Morton at the SABR Bio Project