Curt Motton – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Most baseball fans remember those dominant Baltimore Orioles teams from the late ’60s and early ’70s, but not many talk about their clutch pinch-hitter, Curt Motton. Curtell Howard Motton spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1967 to 1974, carving out a niche as one of the game’s most dependable bench players during Baltimore’s championship years.

Born in Louisiana, Motton became a key part of the Orioles’ success, even though he never held down a regular starting job.

Motton’s career batting average sits at .213, which, sure, isn’t eye-popping. But his knack for delivering in big moments made him invaluable to manager Earl Weaver’s championship teams.

Standing just 5’8″ and weighing 164 pounds, he showed everyone that impact in baseball doesn’t always come from the biggest stars. His journey from the Oakland housing projects to World Series games really highlights the grit it takes to make it in pro baseball.

Curt Motton’s story gives us a glimpse into the world of specialty players in Major League Baseball. Teams like the Orioles built dynasties by leaning on guys who thrived in specific roles.

His career proves that players can make a difference even if their stats don’t tell the whole story.

Curt Motton’s Professional Baseball Career

Curt Motton played in the majors from 1967 to 1974, making his mark as a pinch-hitter for the Baltimore Orioles during their best years. He played a big part in Baltimore’s success during their American League pennant runs from 1969 to 1971.

After that, he wrapped up his career with short stints on other teams.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Motton debuted for the Orioles in 1967 after Baltimore called him up from Triple-A Rochester. He’d been hitting .336 at Rochester when the Orioles promoted him after trading pitcher Steve Barber to the Yankees.

He recorded his first major league hit off Chicago White Sox pitcher Jim O’Toole at Comiskey Park. Motton launched his first home run at Fenway Park off Boston’s Galen Cisco.

He played in 17 games during that first call-up and batted .244.

In 1968, Motton made the Orioles’ Opening Day roster. When Frank Robinson got sidelined with the mumps, Motton stepped in and started 18 straight games.

Baltimore went on a 13-2 run in that stretch, jumping from fifth place to first.

Notable 1968 Achievement:

• Tied the major league record with home runs in back-to-back pinch-hit at-bats (May 15 and 17)
• Both homers came with two men on base
• Hit them off Detroit’s Jon Warden and Cleveland’s Hal Kurtz

Despite some bright spots, Motton ended his rookie year with a .198 average in 83 games.

Baltimore Orioles Tenure

From 1969 to 1971, Motton became an important piece of the Orioles’ dynasty. The team won three straight American League pennants under Earl Weaver, racking up 318 regular-season wins.

Earl Weaver definitely valued Motton as a pinch-hitter. “Motton’s been Baltimore’s best pinch-hitter ever since I’ve been managing this club,” Weaver said after Motton’s clutch showing in the 1971 ALCS.

1969 Season Highlights:

• Started slow, just 1-for-10 in pinch-hit tries
• Heated up and hit .389 (7-for-18) as a pinch-hitter
• Hit game-winning homers off Jim Rooker and Paul Lindblad
• Season stats: .303 average, .398 OBP, .573 slugging

Motton’s biggest hit came in the 1969 ALCS against Minnesota. With the game still scoreless in the 11th inning, Weaver sent Motton up to face lefty Ron Perranoski.

Motton delivered a walk-off single and helped Baltimore sweep the series.

In the 1969 World Series against the Mets, Motton only got one plate appearance and grounded out as the Orioles lost the series.

In 1970, Motton started just five games through July but made his at-bats count. He hit .226 overall but batted .346 with runners in scoring position, driving in 19 runs on 19 hits.

Other Teams and Final Seasons

After his time in Baltimore, Motton played for the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. These were his last seasons in the majors.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .213
• Home Runs: 25
• RBIs: 89
• Teams: California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers
• World Series Championships: 1

Motton kept his role as a valuable bench player and pinch-hitter throughout his career. He had a reputation for coming through in clutch spots, even if he never became a regular starter.

By 1973, Motton had become a steady veteran who could step up when needed.

Retirement in 1974

Motton wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1974, serving as a player-coach with the Rochester Red Wings under Joe Altobelli. That gave him a chance to start moving from playing into coaching.

He still showed he could hit, batting .300 and drawing 58 walks in part-time duty for a .462 on-base percentage.

The Orioles called him up late in 1974 for one last shot in the majors. He went hitless in his final ten plate appearances, and that marked the end of his playing days.

Motton never became an everyday starter, but he found real success in his specialized role. His .213 career average doesn’t really show how valuable he was as a pinch-hitter and clutch performer during Baltimore’s heyday.

Key Career Achievements and Highlights

Curt Motton built a solid eight-season career mostly as a bench specialist, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable pinch hitters in the late ’60s and early ’70s. His best moments came in playoff games and in his record-setting pinch-hitting days with the Orioles.

Role as Pinch Hitter

Motton made his mark as Baltimore’s top pinch-hitter under Earl Weaver. Weaver called him “Baltimore’s best pinch-hitter ever since I’ve been managing this club,” and often said he was “an automatic choice in this spot.”

In 1968, Motton hit home runs in consecutive pinch-hit at-bats, tying a major league record. Both shots came with two runners on, off Jon Warden and Hal Kurtz.

In 1969, he showed real mental toughness after a rough start. Motton managed just one hit in his first 10 pinch-hit tries but finished the year batting .389 in pinch-hit roles, including game-winning homers against Kansas City and Oakland.

He reached base 13 out of 33 times off the bench in 1969. His on-base percentage of .398 that year underlined his value beyond just batting average.

Memorable Games and Moments

Motton’s biggest career moment? That came in the 1969 ALCS against Minnesota. With the score tied 0-0 in the bottom of the 11th, Weaver sent him up to pinch-hit against lefty Ron Perranoski.

Motton came through with a clutch single that won the game. “The pitch was away on the outer part of the plate,” Motton said. “And I did something I rarely did, I hit it to right field. I just wanted to make good contact and hoped things would work out.”

That hit sent Baltimore to the World Series. In the 1971 ALCS against Oakland, he hit a game-tying double that helped the Orioles rally against Vida Blue.

Back in 1968, Motton started 18 straight games when Frank Robinson was out with mumps. He helped the team go 13-2 and move into first place.

Noteworthy Statistics and Performance Metrics

Motton’s minor league stats showed he could hit before reaching the majors. In 1963 with Stockton, he batted .333, hit 10 homers, stole 22 bases, drew 90 walks, and drove in 90 runs.

His 1967 season with Rochester was even better. Motton led the International League with 70 RBIs, finished second in batting at .323, hit 18 home runs, and walked 72 times.

His best big league season was 1969, when he hit .303 with a .398 OBP and slugged .573. Not bad for a guy who didn’t get a ton of at-bats.

Motton made his name as a situational hitter. His knack for coming through in the clutch helped Baltimore win 318 regular-season games and three pennants from 1969-71.

Curt Motton’s Place in Orioles and Baseball History

Curt Motton earned his spot in Orioles history as a clutch pinch-hitter during the team’s run of success from 1969-71. He shared the clubhouse with Hall of Fame teammates and managers like Earl Weaver, shaping an era of Orioles baseball that brought home three AL pennants.

Contribution to Baltimore Orioles Success

Motton played a key role during Earl Weaver’s first three seasons as manager. The Orioles won 318 regular-season games and three AL pennants from 1969 to 1971.

His pinch-hitting became a real asset to the team. Earl Weaver didn’t hesitate to praise him, saying, “Motton has been Baltimore’s best pinch-hitter ever since I’ve been managing this club.”

Key Statistics During Dynasty Years:

• 1969: .389 pinch-hitting average after a slow start
• Game-winning home runs against the Royals and A’s
• Helped seal close wins at Memorial Stadium

Motton found ways to contribute, even with limited playing time. He knew his role, especially with stars like Paul Blair in center and Frank Robinson in right.

Connections with Notable Teammates and Managers

Motton crossed paths with plenty of baseball legends in Baltimore. He roomed with Elrod Hendricks and became close with Paul Blair, Don Buford, and Dave May.

His relationship with Earl Weaver was crucial. Weaver used him in tight games, which kept Motton sharp and ready. “The thing that kept me keyed up and always ready was the way Earl used me,” Motton said.

Notable Teammates:

• Brooks Robinson – Hall of Fame third baseman
• Boog Powell – Big-hitting first baseman
• Jim Palmer – Cy Young winner
• Paul Blair – Gold Glove center fielder

Teammates called him “Cuz” for his friendly, down-to-earth vibe. His humor and wisdom made him a favorite in the clubhouse during those championship runs.

Influence in Key Series and Championships

Motton’s biggest postseason moment came in the 1969 ALCS against Minnesota. With the game scoreless in the 11th, he singled off Ron Perranoski to drive in the winning run.

That hit finished off a sweep of the Twins and sent Baltimore to the World Series. Motton showed he could handle the pressure in October.

In the 1971 ALCS, Motton hit a game-tying double that helped Baltimore rally against Oakland’s Vida Blue. Weaver called him “an automatic choice” for those big moments.

He only managed one at-bat in the World Series against the Mets in 1969, but his ALCS heroics were a big reason the Orioles kept getting to the game’s biggest stage.

Curt Motton and the 1969 World Series Era

The 1969 season was a turning point for Curt Motton as he helped the Orioles win their first American League pennant under Earl Weaver. Even though the team lost the World Series to the Mets, Motton’s clutch pinch-hitting during that run cemented his reputation as one of baseball’s most dependable bench players.

Baltimore Orioles’ 1969 Season Overview

The Baltimore Orioles absolutely dominated the American League in 1969, wrapping up the season with a 109-53 record. Earl Weaver managed his first full season after stepping in midway through 1968.

Motton really stepped up as the team’s main pinch-hitter. He got into 56 games and, even with limited time, put up some solid offensive stats.

He hit .303 and posted a .398 on-base percentage, which made him one of the league’s most effective reserves that year.

The outfield had big names—Frank Robinson, Paul Blair, and Don Buford. Because of that, Motton rarely started, but he became the go-to guy for late-game situations.

Earl Weaver saw Motton’s knack for clutch moments right away. Motton once said, “He almost always used me when it was a close ballgame. If I did my job, I was going to make a positive contribution to the ballclub.”

Motton’s pinch-hitting numbers stood out. After a slow start, he went 7-for-18 as a pinch-hitter, including game-winning home runs against Kansas City and Oakland in August.

Matchup with the Miracle Mets

The 1969 World Series brought Baltimore face-to-face with the surprising New York Mets. Gil Hodges managed the Mets, who’d pulled off one of baseball’s wildest turnarounds to earn the nickname “Miracle Mets.”

New York’s pitching staff had stars like Tom Seaver, with Jerry Grote behind the plate. The Mets were huge underdogs, but that didn’t seem to matter.

Motton only appeared in one World Series game during the five-game set. He grounded out in his only plate appearance, as Baltimore just couldn’t get much going against New York’s pitching.

The Orioles made it to the World Series after sweeping the Minnesota Twins in the ALCS. Motton came up big with a game-winning single in the 11th inning of Game 2 against Ron Perranoski.

“The pitch was away on the outer part of the plate,” Motton said. “And I did something I rarely did, I hit it to right field. I just wanted to make good contact and hoped things would work out.”

Lasting Impact from the Series

The 1969 World Series loss stung and taught the Orioles a tough lesson. Even after such a dominant regular season, they lost to the Mets in five games, which still stands as one of baseball’s biggest upsets.

Motton’s limited World Series action showed just how tough it is for bench players in October. Managers lean on their starters, and chances for pinch-hitters get rare.

Baltimore took the loss hard but came back determined. They made it to the World Series again in 1970 and 1971. Motton stayed in his pinch-hitting role.

Motton built a reputation in Major League Baseball as a clutch performer. He just had a knack for coming through when it mattered most.

The 1969 season also showed how valuable bench depth is in a championship run. Motton’s regular season contributions helped Baltimore lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Baseball Cards and Collectibility

Curt Motton’s baseball cards from his 1967-1974 career give collectors a neat look at the Orioles’ championship era. His cards show up in several Topps sets, sometimes highlighting his pinch-hitting specialty.

Curt Motton Baseball Card Highlights

Motton’s most notable card is probably the 1970 Topps #261, which pops up often in set breaks and auctions. It captures him during his best years with the Orioles.

The 1971 Topps set includes Motton too, but this set is notorious for its tough-to-find high numbers. His cards from this time usually show him in his Orioles uniform.

There’s also a 1974 card for Motton’s final season, marking the end of his big league career. It’s one of his last cards as a player.

Collectors might also track down a 1988 CMC Rochester Red Wings #25 card from his minor league coaching days. These newer cards go for less than his vintage Topps ones.

Collecting Motton and Orioles Memorabilia

Motton’s cards fit right into Baltimore Orioles team collections from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. His pinch-hitting role makes him interesting for collectors who like specialized players.

Current market values for Motton’s cards are pretty modest. Most sell for under $10 unless you find one in top shape.

You’ll find his cards in eBay auctions and vintage sales. Collectors often bundle them with other Orioles from the 1966 and 1970 championship teams.

His Rochester Red Wings card adds another angle for collectors, since he was a player-coach there in 1974.

Vintage Cards from the Era

The 1970s Topps sets that include Motton are classics from baseball’s golden age of cards. They used traditional photos and simple designs that still appeal to collectors.

Vintage card collectors love building complete team sets from this time, so Motton’s cards help finish off Orioles collections. The 1970 and 1971 Topps sets are especially popular.

A lot of Motton’s Orioles teammates—like Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson—show up in the same sets. That connection adds some extra interest.

Set completion is a big deal for vintage collectors, and Motton’s cards are affordable compared to the big names from that era.

Motton’s Legacy and Influence

Curt Motton made a lasting mark on baseball with his pinch-hitting skills and the way he influenced teammates over his eight-year career. He took the specialized bench role seriously, and people around the league respected him for it. Plus, he just had a warm personality—guys loved having him in the clubhouse.

Impact on the Game and Teammates

Motton really changed how teams viewed the pinch-hitting role during his time in Baltimore. Earl Weaver didn’t hesitate to call him “Baltimore’s best pinch-hitter ever since I’ve been managing this club.”

Motton kept his batting stance the same from age 14. He stood straight up, closed his stance, and held his hands in tight.

His results backed up his approach. In 1969, he went 7-for-18 as a pinch-hitter after a slow start, delivering big hits like those game-winning home runs against Kansas City and Oakland.

Teammates called him “Cuz” because he was just that friendly. Roy Firestone remembered him as “country, sweet, so funny, and had a down-home wisdom.” Guys like Paul Blair, Don Buford, and Dave May enjoyed being around him.

Motton’s attitude toward his bench role changed how future players saw specialized positions. He showed that you could make a real difference for a winning team, even if you weren’t an everyday starter.

Motton’s Place Among Baseball Players

Motton didn’t reach the fame of legends like Jackie Robinson or his high school friend Willie Stargell, but he carved out his own spot in baseball history. His consistency as a pinch-hitter made him stand out from other bench players.

He played with future Hall of Famers on the Orioles’ championship teams from 1969-1971. The team won 318 games and three pennants during those years.

His biggest moment came in the 1969 ALCS against Minnesota. With two outs and two on in the 11th, Motton singled off Ron Perranoski to win the game.

Instead of worrying about limited playing time, Motton embraced his role. He knew his job was to come through in the clutch, not rack up stats.

Branch Rickey once said baseball is about opportunity and preparation meeting at the right time. Motton really lived that out during his career.

Remembering Curt Motton Post-Retirement

After he retired in 1974, Motton stayed close to baseball and his Baltimore community. He and his wife Jackie, along with their daughter Simone Nicole, had already made Baltimore their full-time home around 1971.

People in the baseball world often talk about Motton as someone who squeezed every bit out of his talent. He didn’t let his size—just 5-foot-7½ and 175 pounds—hold him back at the plate.

Motton’s story has woven itself into baseball lore, especially as an example of how role players can help championship teams. He had this knack for coming through in high-pressure moments, and that made him a real asset during the Orioles’ glory days.

The Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame honors his legacy, since he made such a mark on the organization. Motton spent a lot of time in Rochester, even serving as a player-coach in 1974.

Today’s pinch-hitters and bench players might look at Motton’s career for inspiration. His focus and preparation still offer valuable lessons for anyone playing the game now.