Whitney was an outstanding defensive center fielder, who hit for average and with power from the left side. Carl played with such outstanding teams as the Mound City Stars, St. Louis Giants, St. Louis Metropolitan Stars, New York Black Yankees, and Brame of the Tandy League. He signed with the New York Black Yankees in 1941 when he hit a ball on top of the right field pavilion at Sportsman’s Park. From 1937 through 1940, he played for the St. Louis Giants, one of the strongest semi-pro teams in the area. His teammates included Luke Easter, Sammy Jethro, and Doc Brackens. In 1938, he hit .428. He also organized and managed championship Khoury League teams, and founded a six-team league from Pruett-Igoe, Vaughan, Carr Square and Cochran housing projects.