Cardwell died this morning, said Richard Puryear, a spokesman for Salem Funerals & Cremations. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Cardwell's friends said he had been struggling with his health lately.

"We need more Don Cardwells in the world," said Junie Michael, who worked with Cardwell selling cars for more than 35 years. "I just can't say enough about what a positive influence he was on our community.

"I've never met a better guy in my whole life," Michael added.

Cardwell pitched for five major league teams from 1957-70. He finished 102-138 with a 3.92 ERA and 1,211 strikeouts. He threw 17 shutouts, earned seven saves — and hit 15 home runs.

The right-hander was 8-10 with a 3.01 ERA for the Miracle Mets in '69. He pitched in 30 games, making 21 starts.

After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Cardwell was traded to the Chicago Cubs in May 1960. Two days after the deal, he tossed a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cardwell's best season with the Cubs was 1961, when he went 15-14 with a 3.82 ERA and a career-high 156 strikeouts. He was traded to the Cardinals the following year, but was dealt to Pittsburgh a month later without ever pitching for St. Louis.

He spent 1963-66 with the Pirates, going 13-10 with a 3.18 ERA in 1965, before he was traded to the Mets in December 1966. In 1969, he was part of a New York rotation that included Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Gary Gentry. Cardwell pitched one inning in the '69 World Series as the Mets upset the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles.

Cardwell ended his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1970.

He also was an outstanding golfer, playing on a celebrity tour in the 1980s, according to Michael. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; three children, five grandchildren and three sisters.