Carlton Fisk

Carlton Ernest Fisk (born December 26, 1947 in Bellows Falls, Vermont) is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for 24 years with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.

Related Topics:
December 26 - 1947 - Bellows Falls, Vermont - Major League Baseball - Catcher - Boston Red Sox - Chicago White Sox

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Although born in Vermont, Fisk is quick to point out that he is actually from Charlestown, New Hampshire, which is right across the Connecticut River from Bellows Falls, Vermont. This being the case, Fisk graduated from Charlestown High School then was a starter on the basketball team at the University of New Hampshire in addition to playing baseball.

Related Topics:
Charlestown, New Hampshire - Connecticut River - University of New Hampshire

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Drafted by the Red Sox in 1967, Fisk played a few games for Boston in 1969 and 1971 but broke out for the Red Sox in his first full season in 1972. Fisk won the AL Gold Glove at Catcher and the AL Rookie of the Year awards that year. He played with the Red Sox until 1980. He played with the White Sox from 1981-1993.

Related Topics:
1969 - 1971 - 1972 - AL Gold Glove at Catcher - AL Rookie of the Year - 1980 - 1981 - 1993

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In 1972 he led the American League with 9 triples (tied with Joe Rudi of the Oakland Athletics). He is the last catcher to lead the league in this statistical category.

Related Topics:
1972 - American League - Joe Rudi - Oakland Athletics

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In his long career, he caught 2,226 games, more than any other catcher in history. He was an 11-time All-Star. Fisk hit 376 career home runs, but his most famous one came in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. His 12th inning 'Englished' homer off the left field foul pole at Fenway Park gave the Red Sox a 7-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds and forced a game 7 (although they lost in this game).

Related Topics:
All-Star - Home run - 1975 World Series - Fenway Park - Cincinnati Reds

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After joining the White Sox, he helped the team win its first American League Western Division Title in 1983. His .289 batting average, 26 home runs, and 86 RBI, as well as his leadership on the young team helped him to finish third in the MVP voting (behind Cal Ripken, Jr. and Eddie Murray). After injuries reduced his playing time in 1984, he began a new training program which he would use for the rest of his career. In 1985, he came back to hit a career best 37 home runs and 107 RBI. Fisk often credited the training program to extending his career.

Related Topics:
1983 - Cal Ripken, Jr. - Eddie Murray

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Fisk holds the record for most home runs after the age of 40 with 72. A single in the 1991 All-Star Game made him the oldest player to collect a hit in the history of All-Star competition.

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Fisk was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 choosing the Boston Red Sox cap for his plaque, although he played for more seasons with the Chicago White Sox.

Related Topics:
Baseball Hall of Fame - 2000 - Chicago White Sox

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Fisk was known to fans by two endearing nicknames. While "Pudge" is a common name given to catchers (a nickname shared, for example, by catcher Ivan Rodriguez), he is also known as "The Commander" for his ability to take control on the field.

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Fisk is also one of a small minority of baseball players who are embraced by the fans of two teams. The Chicago White Sox retired his uniform number 72 on September 14, 1997. The Boston Red Sox retired his uniform number 27 on September 4, 2000. He is one of eight people to have their uniform number retired by at least two teams.

Related Topics:
Chicago White Sox - September 14 - 1997 - September 4 - 2000

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Aside from his historic home runs and his strong work ethic, Fisk was universally revered for his love and respect of the game itself. In one memorable incident, pro-football and pro-baseball player Deion Sanders hit a pop fly, and refused to run to first base, suspecting that the ball would be easily caught. Fisk yelled at Sanders to run the ball out (paraphrased here to remove an obscenity).

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