Don Cardwell, 72, Pitched for ’69 Mets
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Don Cardwell, who pitched a no-hitter and helped the New York Mets win the 1969 World Series, died Monday. He was 72.
Cardwell pitched for five major league teams from 1957-70. He finished 102-138 with a 3.92 ERA. He also hit 15 home runs.
Cardwell was 8-10 with a 3.01 ERA for the Miracle Mets in ’69. The right-hander pitched in 30 games, making 21 starts.
After beginning his career with the Phillies, Cardwell was traded to the Cubs in May 1960. Two days after the deal, he tossed a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.
He was traded to the Mets in December 1966. In 1969, he was part of a New York rotation that included Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Gary Gentry. Cardwell pitched one inning in the ’69 World Series as the Mets upset the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles.
Mets teammate Swoboda remembers Cardwell sticking up for his teammates during a fight with Houston in 1969 and dropping Astros third baseman Doug Rader with one powerful punch.
Cardwell ended his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1970.
