ALLENTOWN, Pa. — When the Phillies open their National League Division Series playoff round against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, it will be must-see TV for the rabid Philadelphia fan base.
But not for Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton.
“I don’t have a TV,” the 80-year-old Carlton said during a meet-and-greet event at Coca-Cola Park on Thursday morning.
“Haven’t had one for 15 years. I know the Phillies have played well, but I haven’t watched.”
“I hope they win, but I really couldn’t tell you just how good they are. I don’t watch.”Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton
Carlton and former Phillies All-Star relief pitcher Ricky Bottalico were on hand at Thursday's event, sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network, for which Carlton is a community ambassador and promoter of its sports medicine center.
“I hope they win, but I really couldn’t tell you just how good they are,” Carlton, who lives in Durango, Colorado, said after his autograph session. “I don’t watch.”
The event was held in partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
'They're going to win the World Series'
During a 30-minute, on-stage conversation with Chamber President Tony Iannelli, Bottalico made a fastball pitch to persuade those in attendance that the Phillies can, indeed, win the World Series this season.
Bottalico, 56, is co-host of “Unfiltered” on radio station WPEN-FM 97.5 The Fanatic, and a pre- and post-game analyst at NBC Sports Philadelphia.
"I think they have a different team this year, a different mindset."Former Phillies All-Star relief pitcher Ricky Bottalico
He cited as reasons for his World Series prediction the team’s offense from top to bottom, improved starting and relief pitching and recent playoff experience.
Adorned in his home Phillies jersey with his name across the back, Iannelli was host of a conversation with Bottalico prior to Carlton’s autograph session.
Asked how the Phillies will do as they begin their playoff round against the Dodgers, Bottalico didn’t mince words.
“I still think they’re going to win the World Series,” he said. “Even without [injured ace righthander] Zach Wheeler.
"Christopher Sanchez is one of the best lefthanders in the game. Ranger Suarez can pitch in front of anybody, anytime, anywhere. Jesus Luzardo is pitching well. The bullpen is solid.
“And I know fans are worried about them failing or hitting that brick wall like they’ve done the past few seasons. I think they have a different team this year, a different mindset. They can hit the ball not just 1 through 4, but 1 through 9.”
'Better analyst than I was a player'
Iannelli and Bottalico talked about old-time baseball, including the incredible increase in salaries today.
Carlton’s salary his first-year in the big leagues in 1965?
“Six thousand dollars,” he said.
Bottalico also recalled the crush of media around a player’s locker when he played. If the player didn’t play well, the media would want to know why.
“Win or lose, players would come out and stand there,” Bottalico said.
“Sometimes naked,” Carlton added, eliciting a burst of laughter from those in attendance.
Over his 24-year career, Carlton made a habit of undressing opposing hitters.
A lefthander, he compiled a 329-244 record with a 3.22 ERA, with 4,136 strikeouts and 55 shutouts. He won four Cy Young Awards and was a 10-time All-Star.
Carlton was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994 with 95.82% of the vote.
His uniform number 32 was retired by the Phillies in 1989.
Iannelli cited Bottalico’s career statistics — 33-42 record, 116 saves, 3.99 ERA — and his transition into broadcasting.
“You’re a great analyst,” Iannelli said.
“I’m a better analyst than I was a player,” Bottalico snapped, with a smile.
'Just by talking with them'
On Wednesday, Carlton made a bunch of teenage baseball players smile as he held a clinic at St. Luke’s SportsPlex.
"You can’t succeed without proper mechanics.”Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton
“Kids today aren’t being taught proper mechanics,” he said. “I saw it. You can’t succeed without proper mechanics.”
Carlton also made some older folks cry, having spent time Wednesday at a local senior living center, talking about life, health and baseball.
“He made their lives better just by talking with them,” said John Graham, St. Luke’s senior network administrator, lifestyle health & wellness, fitness & sports performance.
Will the Phillies win the World Series this year? If they do — or don’t — someone will have to let Carlton know.
He’s not plugged in.
