Chris Carpenter: podcast appearances and interviews

Christopher John Carpenter, born on April 27, 1975, is a former professional baseball pitcher who played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1997 to 2012. He was a recipient of the Cy Young Award and a two-time World Series champion, also earning three All-Star selections. Additionally, Carpenter received the Sporting News National League Pitcher of the Year award twice and garnered recognition as a Comeback Player of the Year nominee after overcoming several injuries. He was drafted in the first round of the 1993 amateur draft from Trinity High School in New Hampshire and made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 1997. His early career faced setbacks due to injuries and performance issues, leading to his release in 2002. Subsequently, he signed with the Cardinals and established himself as an ace in 2004, earning the Cy Young Award in 2005 and playing a vital role in the team's World Series victories in 2006 and 2011. Carpenter relied on a cutter with a heavy bore and sharp drop, complemented by a 12-to-6 curveball and a sinker. His career was interrupted multiple times by injuries considered career-threatening, including surgeries on his elbow, shoulder, and rib cage, yet he successfully rehabilitated and returned to pitch each time. During his tenure with the Cardinals, he won 95 games with a 3.07 ERA over 197 starts and more than 1,348 innings pitched, leading the majors in winning percentage. In the postseason, he starred in 18 starts, winning 10 games with a 3.00 ERA over 108 innings.