Carlton Fisk Childhood

Carlton Ernest Fisk was born on December 26, 1947 in Bellows Falls, VT. He is the son of Leona and Cecil Fisk. As one of six children, the entire Fisk family was heavily involved in sports. For Carlton basketball, not baseball, was his first love. It became evident that no matter what sport Carlton played, he had the talent to be good at any one he chose to pursue. 

Carlton Fisk High School Stats and Awards

Fisk attended Charlestown High School. He was a two-sport athlete, starring in baseball and baseball. The Baltimore Orioles organization wanted to sign him out of high school. However, Carlton wanted to play basketball and accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of New Hampshire.

Carlton Fisk College Career Stats and Notes

Carlton’s future changed drastically over the next couple of years. While at the University of New Hampshire, Fisk played basketball briefly. However, he had a change of heart about sport and the prospects of not becoming an NBA player started to sink in. Baseball was there waiting for him. The Boston Red Sox pursued him and this time, he decided baseball was the route to go. In 1967, Carlton was drafted by Boston. 

Carlton Fisk MLB Career Stats and Notes

Fisk was drafted by the Red Sox in 1967 but didn’t make his MLB debut until September 18, 1969.  The stint was short and he was sent back to the minors. Near the end of the 1971 season, Fisk was called up again. This time he finally got a hold of a Red Sox roster spot and didn’t look back. He became one of the best power hitting catchers in the game. He played in Boston until 1980. In 1981, Fisk was a free agent and signed with the other Sox team, the Chicago White Sox. He spent 13 years in the Windy City, retiring after the 1993 season at age 45.  In 2000, the 11-time All-Star was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  

Carlton Fisk 12th Inning Walk-Off HR in Game 6 of 1975 World Series

Fisk hit one of the most iconic home runs in MLB postseason history. In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, Fisk and the Red Sox were tied with Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and the National League champion Cincinnati Reds, 6-6, in the bottom of the 12th inning.

With the Fenway Park crowd looking for a moment, Fisk delivered. On a 1–0 pitch, Fisk lifted a fly ball towards the left field pole. The ball appeared to be heading foul to Fisk. In that iconic moment, Fisk is motioning his arms as if he was swaying the ball fair while heading to first base. He was right as the ball hit the pole for a walk off solo blast to give the Red Sox a 7-6 win and force a Game Seven. 

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