Many of us have heard some form of this phrase but do you know who said it? In 1962, Leo Rosten gave an address at the National Book Awards in New York and during that he said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy—but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.”
Recently a dear friend’s father, Carl Warwick, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. A former Major League Baseball player, Carl left an indelible mark on the sport he loved, but his greatest legacy was the love and devotion he showed to his family.
You may not have heard of Carl so let me tell you his story. Born in Dallas, Carl discovered his passion for baseball at an early age – starting in little league and later playing at Sunset High School. Carl played college baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he was a standout performer for the Horned Frogs. As a freshman in 1955, he made an immediate impact, helping lead TCU to the Southwest Conference (SWC) championship. The following year, Carl was instrumental in the team’s return to the College World Series, showcasing his abilities as a powerful hitter and dependable outfielder. His strong collegiate performance earned him All-SWC honors and set the stage for his professional baseball career. Carl was named to the All-Conference team in 1956 and the All-American team in 1957. TCU is also where he met the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, Nancy.
Carl played outfield from 1961 to 1966 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Colt .45s, and Baltimore Orioles. After debuting with the Dodgers, he was traded to the Cardinals and later became an original member of the Houston Colt .45s when they entered the league in 1962. Carl was a solid hitter and reliable outfielder, contributing both at the plate and on the field. His best individual season came in 1962 with Houston, where he played in 123 games and hit .260 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs.
Carl is best remembered for his performance with the St. Louis Cardinals during their 1964 World Series championship run. Acquired midseason, he became a key pinch-hitter for the Cardinals, delivering an impressive 3-for-4 performance in pinch-hit appearances during the World Series against the New York Yankees, tying the record for pinch hits which stands today.
When you think of baseball stars, you don’t often think of pinch hitters. But pinch hitters play a crucial role in baseball by stepping in during high-pressure moments to provide a strategic offensive advantage. Their ability to deliver key hits in late-game situations can change the momentum and outcome of a game. A strong pinch hitter, like Carl, brings depth to a lineup and gives managers flexibility in critical decision-making. His clutch hitting in the 1964 World Series helped the Cardinals secure their first championship in nearly two decades.
After brief stints with the Orioles and back with the Cardinals, he retired following the 1966 season, leaving behind a legacy as a valuable role player in one of baseball’s most historic franchises. When he retired as a player, he founded his company Carl Warwick and Associates, a real estate investment company. He continued with baseball being Chairman of the Major League Baseball Alumni organization, overseeing charity golf tournaments to benefit distressed players.
Carl helped form the R.E. Bob Smith Award for outstanding college baseball player of the year award. He was a member of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority for 12 years. Carl’s contributions to baseball were recognized in 1989 when he was inducted into TCU’s Hall of Fame. In 2003 he was honored with induction into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame.
While Carl’s achievements on the field were remarkable, his proudest moments came off the diamond. I was blessed to know Carl and be part of cherished moments spent with his family as a devoted husband, a loving father, doting grandfather and proud great-grandfather. Carl brought warmth, wisdom, and laughter into the lives of those he loved. Whether golfing, telling stories of his playing days, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with his family, he embraced every role with humility and grace.
Carl was not only productive and useful, but he was also inspirational. He will not only be remembered for his accomplishments in baseball but for the kindness, integrity, and love he shared with everyone who knew him.
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