World’s Fastest Catcher?
From “This Week in 1960s Baseball …”
(September 1, 1966) St Louis Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver hit his thirteenth triple of the season in helping the Redbirds beat the Atlanta Braves at Busch Stadium, 7-4.
It was the last triple McCarver would hit for the 1966 season, but it would be enough to lead the league, as McCarver edged out teammateLou Brock, who finished the season with 12 triples.
The Memphis native became the first catcher to lead a league in three-baggers.
McCarver’s triple came with 2 outs in the bottom of the third, scoringOrlando Cepeda. It was his second RBI of the game. McCarver had already driven in a run in the second inning with a single that scored Mike Shannon from second base.
Winning pitcher for the Cardinals was Steve Carlton (3-2). The losing pitcher was Dick Kelley (4-3).
McCarver, an All-Star in 1966, would finish the season batting .274 with 12 home runs and 68 RBIs. His triples crown that year would mark the only time he led the league in any hitting category.
AUTOR :: Carroll Conklin
