Carlton Fisk (1969-1993)

Pudge

“There was also a little of that thing they say about New Englanders: Being from here doesn’t prevent me from doing anything, it just prevents me from enjoying it.” -Carlton Fisk on his New England heritage

Carlton Fisk will always be remembered for his famous coaxing of his long homer to stay fair in the 11th inning of Game 6 in the 1975 World Series.  His Boston Red Sox won the game, one of the best ever in Series play, but lost in the 7th and deciding game.  Playing the grueling position of catcher for 24 years was a remarkable achievement.  When he retired he held the record for most games caught and homers for the position.  He was the first ever unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year in 1972 and won his only Gold Glove that same year.  Few ever protected the honor of the game as much as Fisk.  He once almost came to blows with the entire Yankee team after he berated Deon Sanders for not running out a routine groundball.  Later Sanders apologized for not giving his all.


Mickey Cochrane (1925-1937)

Black Mike

“There goes Cy Perkins’ job.” -Cy Perkins after Cochrane pinch hit for him and knocked in the winning run

Given the nickname “Black Mike” because of his bad temper, Mickey Cochrane was a fierce competitor for both the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers.  He was arguably the best catcher in baseball during the 1920s and 30s, though he sometimes had difficulty throwing out would-be base stealers.  Cochrane was the anchor of Connie Mack’s Athletics, winning two MVP awards, leading the A’s to five pennants and two World Series titles.  In 13 seasons he averaged .320 but his career ended prematurely when he was struck in the head by a pitch and nearly died.  Ten years after he retired he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.



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