5. 3000th strikeout
Carlton entered the 1981 season coming off a World Series championship and his third Cy Young Award winning season, finishing 24-9 with a 2.34 ERA. Already Hall of Fame worthy entering the 1981 season, “Lefty” was just 31 strikeouts shy of 3,000 for his career.
On April 29, 1981, the Phillies hosted the Montreal Expos in a battle between Carlton and Montreal ace Steve Rogers. Both teams were off to an excellent start, the Expos at 12-3 and the Phillies at 11-6.
Just three strikeouts shy of 3,000 entering the game, it didn’t take long for Carlton to reach the milestone in front of more than 30,000 in attendance at Veteran’s Stadium. Carlton struck out lead off man Tim Raines looking and disposed of Jerry Manuel in the same manner. After Tim Wallach flailed and missed on a two-strike slider, Carlton struck out the side and reached the 3,000 strikeout milestone.
In reaching 3,000 strikeouts, Carlton became the first left-handed pitcher and the sixth pitcher in Major League history to reach the milestone. Carlton pitched a complete game improving to 4-0 while striking out nine in the 6-2 victory. He was also was the star at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBI.
Carlton was having one of the best seasons of his career before it was cut short due to the strike. Carlton finished 13-4 with a 2.42 ERA,179 strikeouts, and ten complete games in 24 starts.