Carl Taylor – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Carl Taylor isn’t exactly a household name for most baseball fans these days. Still, his six-season run in Major League Baseball from 1968 to 1973 shows the journey of a versatile utility player who found ways to contribute in a bunch of different roles.

Born January 20, 1944, in Sarasota, Florida, Taylor built a respectable career as a catcher, outfielder, first baseman, and pinch hitter for three teams during what many call baseball’s golden era.

Taylor played in 411 Major League games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals. He posted a .266 career batting average, hit 10 home runs, and drove in 115 runs. Honestly, his best season came in 1969 with the Pirates, when he batted .348 in 104 games. He didn’t get enough at-bats to qualify for the National League batting title, though.

At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Taylor batted and threw right-handed. He really fit the mold of that dependable role player every good team seems to need.

Maybe Taylor’s stats look modest by today’s standards, but his ability to play just about anywhere and step up in important moments made him a real asset back then. Roster flexibility mattered a lot in that era.

His story—moving through three organizations, his family background, and the impact he made both on and off the field—gives a glimpse into the life of a pro athlete who squeezed every bit out of his talent before baseball’s free agency era.

Early Life and Background

Carl Means Taylor was born January 20, 1944, in Sarasota, Florida. He grew up in a family that loved baseball, and his stepbrother was none other than future major league star Boog Powell.

Taylor attended Key West High School in Key West, Florida. That’s where he started to really show off his skills as a multi-position player.

Birthplace and Family

Carl Means Taylor came into the world on January 20, 1944, in Sarasota, Florida. Baseball ran in his family’s blood.

The most notable connection? His stepbrother, Boog Powell. Powell became a star first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles and played a big role in major league baseball during the 1960s and 1970s.

That family link probably shaped Taylor’s early love for the game. Having a stepbrother reach the majors must have given him a real sense of what it takes to make it.

The Taylor family’s baseball roots helped Carl understand the game from an early age. That foundation would come in handy as he chased his own pro career.

Education and Youth Baseball

Taylor went to Key West High School in Key West, Florida, where he sharpened his baseball skills. Those high school years turned out to be crucial for developing the versatility that defined his pro career.

At Key West High, Taylor played several positions. That early experience as a utility guy set him up for what he’d do in the majors.

He grew to 6’2″ and weighed 200 pounds while in high school. That size and athleticism really made scouts take notice.

Taylor batted and threw right-handed, a trait that stuck with him throughout his career. His high school performances caught the eyes of major league scouts and paved the way for his professional debut in 1968.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Carl Taylor played six seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1968 to 1973, and appeared in 411 games with three teams. He started with the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 24 and wrapped things up with the Kansas City Royals after the 1973 season.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Carl Means Taylor made his MLB debut on April 11, 1968, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was 24 years old and fresh out of Sarasota, Florida.

In his rookie year, Taylor played 44 games. He batted .211 with 15 hits in 71 at-bats and showed his flexibility by playing both catcher and outfield.

He really broke out in 1969. That year, he hit an impressive .348 average over 104 games, picking up 77 hits in 221 at-bats.

The 1969 season turned Taylor into a valuable utility player. He drove in 33 runs and drew 31 walks, showing better plate discipline, even though he didn’t have enough at-bats for the batting title.

Career Progression Across Teams

Taylor’s big league journey took him through three different organizations over six years. He spent three seasons with Pittsburgh (1968-1969, part of 1971), then played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970.

With the Cardinals, he kept things steady, batting .249 in 104 games. He picked up 61 hits and 45 RBIs in 245 at-bats and kept building his reputation as a reliable backup.

Taylor split the 1971 season between Pittsburgh and Kansas City. That move started his final chapter with the Royals, where he played his last two full seasons.

Kansas City made the most of Taylor’s versatility from 1971 to 1973. He played catcher, outfield, first base, and pinch hitter, racking up 152 games over three seasons with the Royals.

Final Season and Retirement

Taylor played his last major league at-bats in 1973 with Kansas City. He got into 69 games, had 145 at-bats, and managed 33 hits for a .228 average.

His final game came on September 29, 1973, against the Texas Rangers. He went 0-for-3 and that was it—his last big league appearance at age 29.

By the end, Taylor’s numbers looked pretty solid. In 411 games, he posted a .266 average, hit 10 home runs, and drove in 115 runs over 846 at-bats.

When he retired, Taylor left behind a career built on versatility and steady production. Managers always knew they could count on him to fill in wherever needed.

Teams Played For

During his six-season major league career from 1968 to 1973, Carl Taylor played for three teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals. He spent the most time with the Pirates and Royals, with a notable season for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Taylor kicked off his big league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1968. He made his debut on April 11, 1968, against the San Francisco Giants at 24.

His rookie season showed some promise, although he didn’t make a huge impact. Taylor played 44 games, hit .211, and drove in 7 runs.

1969 was his breakout year with Pittsburgh. He played 104 games and hit a career-best .348. That performance got him plenty of time behind the plate and in the outfield.

Taylor’s 1969 numbers included 77 hits, 4 home runs, and 33 RBIs. His .432 on-base percentage showed he could get on base a lot. He didn’t have enough at-bats for the batting title, but his .348 average was right up there with the league’s best.

Pittsburgh used Taylor all over—catcher, right field, left field—and he stepped in as a pinch hitter when called upon.

St. Louis Cardinals

Taylor joined the St. Louis Cardinals for the 1970 season. That was his only full year away from both Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

With the Cardinals, Taylor played 104 games and had 289 plate appearances. His average dipped to .249, but he still put up 6 home runs and 45 RBIs.

The Cardinals mostly used Taylor as a pinch hitter and backup catcher. His ability to play several positions let him cover for regulars when they needed a break.

In 1970, Taylor notched 12 doubles and 2 triples among his 61 hits. He also drew 41 walks, showing a bit more patience at the plate than in earlier years.

His time in St. Louis proved he could fit into different team systems. The Cardinals appreciated his experience and flexibility.

Kansas City Royals

Taylor wrapped up his career with the Kansas City Royals, playing from 1971 to 1973. The Royals were still a young franchise then, having started in 1969.

He split the 1971 season between Pittsburgh and Kansas City, joining the Royals for 20 games after a mid-season trade.

In 1972, Taylor settled into a steady role with the Royals. He played 63 games, hit .265, and drove in 11 runs. His presence helped steady the bench for the young team.

Taylor’s last season in 1973 was his busiest with Kansas City. He played 69 games and made 182 plate appearances, batting .228 as a veteran backup.

The Royals leaned on Taylor’s defensive skills behind the plate. He caught 69 games during his time there and offered steady leadership to the younger guys.

Positions and Playing Style

Carl Taylor showed some serious versatility during his six-year Major League career. He played multiple positions—catcher, outfield, first base, and pinch hitter—and did them all with a steady hand. That flexibility made him a valuable utility guy for every team he joined.

Catcher Duties

Catcher was Taylor’s main position. From 1968 to 1973, he spent most of his time behind the plate.

His catching stats show a career fielding percentage a bit below the league average. In 1968 with Pittsburgh, he posted a .979 fielding percentage, while the National League average was .990.

Taylor managed pitching staffs and tried to control the running game. In 1968, he threw out 6 of 20 base stealers, a 30% success rate, which lagged behind the league’s 39.5% average.

He gave teams a reliable backup behind the plate, stepping in when the starters needed a break or were hurt.

Outfielder Experience

Taylor played all three outfield spots during his career, showing off his athleticism and adaptability. He got regular time in the outfield, especially with Pittsburgh.

In 1969, he played 36 outfield games during his best offensive stretch. His .914 fielding percentage in the outfield was below the league’s .973 average, but he still handled his share of plays.

Taylor’s outfield defense was solid, if not spectacular. He took care of routine plays but didn’t have the speed or range of a regular outfielder.

His ability to play outfield gave managers options and helped extend his career.

First Baseman Contributions

Taylor occasionally filled in at first base, adding another layer to his utility role. It wasn’t his main job, but he stepped in when needed.

First base called for different skills—footwork, handling throws—and Taylor did his best there. His 6’2″, 200-pound frame helped him stretch for throws and make plays.

He’d usually play first base in specific situations, giving the regulars a rest.

Pinch Hitter and Utility Player Role

Taylor really shined as a pinch hitter, especially as his career went on. He could come off the bench and deliver a big hit in tight spots.

His top offensive year was 1969, when he hit .348 with Pittsburgh. He didn’t get enough at-bats for the batting title, but that year showed he could handle pressure.

As a utility player, Taylor gave managers roster flexibility. He could play several spots in one game, letting teams make moves without burning through the bench.

His right-handed bat and defensive versatility made him the perfect utility guy for that era. Teams loved having someone who could help out in so many ways.

Notable Career Highlights and Achievements

Carl Taylor’s six-season MLB career included a standout 1969, where he hit .348, and a spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series championship run. He even had some memorable moments, like hitting an ultimate grand slam in 1970.

Best Statistical Seasons

Taylor’s 1969 season really stands out. He hit .348 that year as a utility player for the Pirates. That average was 83 points higher than his next-best season.

It’s pretty remarkable, since Taylor usually struggled at the plate. He batted under .250 in four out of his six Major League seasons. He finished his career with a .266 average.

Taylor collected 225 career hits in 846 at-bats in the majors. Those included 31 doubles and 10 triples. He also managed 10 home runs and 115 RBIs across his MLB career.

1971 World Series Involvement

The Pirates brought Taylor back in September 1971, right in the middle of their pennant chase. He returned to Pittsburgh after they’d sent him to the St. Louis Cardinals following his strong 1969 season.

Because the Pirates picked him up so late, Taylor couldn’t play in the 1971 World Series. The Pirates ended up winning the championship in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles.

Taylor’s stepbrother, Boog Powell, played first base for the Orioles during that series. Pretty wild, right? Even though Taylor just watched from the sidelines, the family connection made the series even more interesting.

Memorable Moments

Taylor had his most unforgettable game on August 11, 1970. He smacked an ultimate grand slam—a walk-off, game-winning grand slam home run. That one swing put him in the baseball history books, even if his career stats weren’t jaw-dropping.

He played all over the field, too. Taylor took turns as a catcher, outfielder, first baseman, and even pinch hitter. Teams loved having that kind of utility guy around.

Taylor played his final MLB game on September 29, 1973, for the Kansas City Royals against the Texas Rangers. He went 0-for-3 that day, closing out his pro baseball days at just 29.

Personal Life and Legacy

Carl Taylor’s story goes beyond just what he did on the field. His family ties and his ongoing work in baseball kept him connected to the sport. Being stepbrothers with Boog Powell gave him a special link to another major leaguer, while his work after retirement with the New York Yankees showed his long-lasting love for the game.

Stepbrother Relationship with Boog Powell

Carl Taylor and Boog Powell shared more than just a last name—they were stepbrothers who grew up together in Florida.

Their baseball journey started early. Both played on the same team in the 1954 Little League World Series. That Florida squad had five future big leaguers, which is still pretty remarkable.

Powell ended up with the bigger career, no doubt about it. He became an American League MVP and helped the Orioles win a World Series. But even with those differences, Taylor and Powell kept their family connection strong through the years.

Their story says a lot about how baseball can run in families. Both stepbrothers made it from the same Little League team to the majors, which almost never happened back then.

Activities After Baseball

Taylor stayed involved with professional baseball long after his playing days ended in 1973.

In 1990, he joined the New York Yankees as a video coordinator. He brought his experience as a player to help analyze game footage.

But he didn’t just stick to video work. Taylor also threw batting practice, sharing his knowledge of hitting to help major league players get ready for games.

That role kept him close to the action and let him shape player development in his own way.

Surprisingly, Taylor even became the team’s “resident barber,” at least according to the 1993 New York Yankees Media Guide.

Honestly, that’s a pretty unique responsibility, and it shows how willing he was to help out however he could.

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