WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Don Cardwell, who pitched a no-hitter and helped the New York Mets win the 1969 World Series, died yesterday. He was 72.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
"He was a tremendous mentor to the young guys on our staff," Mets Hall of Famer Tom Seaver said in a statement through the team. "When he said something, you listened. He was the ultimate professional on and off the field."
Mr. Cardwell pitched for five major league teams from 1957 to 1970. He finished 102-138 with a 3.92 ERA and 1,211 strikeouts. He threw 17 shutouts, earned seven saves - and hit 15 home runs.
The right-hander was 8-10 with a 3.01 ERA for the Miracle Mets in '69. He pitched one inning in the World Series as the Mets upset the favored Baltimore Orioles.
After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Mr. Cardwell was traded to the Chicago Cubs in May 1960. Two days after the deal, he tossed a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Mr. Cardwell's best season with the Cubs was 1961, when he went 15-14 with a 3.82 ERA and a career-high 156 strikeouts. He pitched with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Mets in 1966. He retired with the Atlanta Braves in 1970.
