“31 in 31” – The 1970’s – Card #8
Carlton Fisk – 1972 Topps – #79
Carlton Fisk’s debut in the major leagues is one of most impressive by a rookie. In 1972, ‘Pudge’ debuted for the Boston Red Sox and immediately made an impact on both offense and defense. Fisk batted .293 while blasting 22 home runs and collecting 61 RBI. On defense he secured the only Gold Glove of his career. With this well-rounded play, Fisk won the Rookie of the Year award, finished 4thfor the MVP, and was named an All-star. This was the first of 7 top 18 finishes for ‘Pudge’ in the MVP race. With a career batting averageof .269 along with 376 home runs and 1,330 RBI, ‘Pudge’ had a consistently strong 24-season big league career. Being able to play 24 seasons for just 2 teams, The Red & White Sox, Fisk was always considered a fan favorite and was wildly popular both during and after his playing days.
Fisk’s lone appearance in the World Series came in 1975 when his Boston Red Sox lost in game 7 to the Cincinnati Reds. Although he did not win the title, the image of Fisk waving a ball ‘fair’ as it headed for the outfield still remains a World Series classic that is replayed every fall. In that 7-game series, Fisk hit .240 while collecting 6 hits, 4 RBI, smashing 2 home runs, and scoring 5 times.
