Carlton Fisk Biography

Carlton Ernest Fisk, born December 26, 1947, played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball as a professional catcher for the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox. Fisk received the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1972, becoming the first player to be unanimously selected for the honor. He retired with the most career home runs by a catcher, totaling 376, a record that stood until surpassed by Mike Piazza. Fisk holds the record for most games played at the catcher position with 2,226, a mark later exceeded by Iván Rodríguez. He remains the all-time leader in years served as a catcher in the American League, with 24 seasons at the position. Fisk earned 11 All-Star selections and captured three Silver Slugger Awards, recognizing his offensive performance at his position. His high school basketball performance in 1965, including 42 points and 38 rebounds in a state semifinal, attracted attention from Boston Celtics owner Walter Brown, who inquired about the young athlete's identity.