“That Ain’t Chuckie’s Game. Chuckie Hacks on 2-0” | Former MLBbro Speedster Chuck Carr Transitions At Age 55

“That Ain’t Chuckie’s Game. Chuckie Hacks on 2-0” | Former MLBbro Speedster Chuck Carr Transitions At Age 55

by | Nov 15, 2022 | THE TWO HOLE

On Monday, former MLBbro Chuck Carr passed at age 55, succumbing to a bout with cancer. The former speedster who had a knack for stealing bases, accumulated 144 thefts over his eight-year MLB career, including 58 in 1993 as a member of the Florida Marlins. Carr played for four other teams (NY Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros) but it was the Marlins who released a statement about his death.

 “We are saddened to hear the passing of Chuck Carr. One of the original Florida Marlins. Chuck quickly engrained himself as a fan favorite as he was often seen making catches in the outfield or speeding around the bases. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

 

Carr Was An Original Marlin

 

After three subpar seasons with the Mets and Cardinals, Carr was taken in the 1992 MLB expansion draft by the Marlins. In their first year of existence, the franchise struggled to a 64-98 record, which was expected. But Carr’s elite baserunning and auspicious glove work helped him stand out. 

 

 

In 1993, Carr led the NL in stolen bases with 58, which is still fourth all-time in a single season in franchise history. The speedy centerfield also finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. In many cases, he was the lone bright spot for an expansion Florida Marlins team trying to compete with the dominant Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and other NL juggernauts.

In the infamous 1994 strike-shortened season, Carr tallied 32 stolen bases and was on pace to break his own record from the prior season.

That style of play immediately earned Carr the respect of his opponents. He was a game-wrecker and a handy offensive weapon for a team struggling to manufacture runs. 

Carr Also Helped The Astros Win The Division In 1997

In Carr’s final season in the majors, he played for the Brewers and Astros. In one of his more memorable moments, during a game with the Brewers, the free-swinging Carr shrugged off a take sign, swung on a 2-0 pitch and popped out.

 In typical Carr fashion here’s what he told reporters.

 “That ain’t Chuckie’s game. Chuckie hacks on 2-0.”

 He was released by the Brewers shortly thereafter.

 

 

That’s who he was, and that approach allowed him to go yard off of Braves Hall of Famer John Smoltz in the 1997 NLDS, as a member of the Astros. His arrival after being released, helped the Astros win the NL Central division. In his career he tallied 435 hits, 234 runs, 81 doubles, seven triples, 13 home runs, 123 RBI, and those 144 base thefts. Most importantly he is part of a lineage of Black baseball players that have made the game of baseball exciting and marketable. RIP to MLBbro Chuck Carr.