Carlton Fisk

American baseball catcher who played 24 MLB seasons, famous for his 1975 World Series home run and holding the home run record for catchers until 2003.

Born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on December 26, 1947, Carlton Ernest Fisk grew up in nearby Charlestown, New Hampshire, where he developed into a standout multi-sport athlete. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire, though he left college early to sign with the Boston Red Sox in 1967. Fisk made his major league debut with Boston in 1971 and quickly established himself as one of baseball's premier catchers. His breakout season came in 1972 when he won the American League Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first unanimous selection for the honor. Known for his defensive skills, strong arm, and ability to handle pitchers, Fisk became a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup throughout the 1970s. His most famous moment occurred during Game 6 of the 1975 World Series against Cincinnati, when his dramatic 12th-inning home run—accompanied by his animated body language willing the ball to stay fair—became one of baseball's most iconic images. Following a contract dispute, Fisk signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1981, where he continued his exceptional career for another 13 seasons. He demonstrated remarkable longevity behind the plate, catching more games than any player in major league history at the time of his retirement. When he concluded his 24-year career in 1993, his 376 home runs represented a record for catchers, while his 2,226 games caught stood as another milestone. He earned 11 All-Star selections split between both franchises. Fisk's impact extended beyond statistics to his role in defining the modern catching position. His combination of offensive production and defensive excellence set new standards for the position. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2000, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greatest catchers. Both the Red Sox and White Sox retired his number, reflecting his significant contributions to each franchise during his distinguished career.

Defensive specialist behind the plate with power hitting ability

Hall of Fame catcher known for durability and clutch hitting

• AL Rookie of the Year (1972)
• 11× All-Star
• Gold Glove Award (1972)