Carlton Fisk played 24 Major League seasons for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox, setting the all-time record for games played as a catcher (2,226), a figure more impressive than any others because he overcame reconstructive knee surgery early in his career. His 376 career home runs ranks 43rd on the all-time home run list, 351 as a catcher, which is a major league record. Fisk is the only Major Leaguer with 300+ HR's that hit more of his home runs after the age of 35 than before (193 versus 183)

A true New Englander, Fisk was born in Vermont, attended the University of New Hampshire, and in January 1967 was the first round draft choice of the Boston Red Sox, the fourth player chosen in the nation. When he arrived as Boston's full-time catcher in 1972, he already had a nickname (Pudge, from his childhood frame of 5-foot-4, 155 pounds).

In 1975 Fisk reinjured himself in spring training and did not play until June, but he hit .331 in 79 games to help the Red Sox to the World Series. In Game 6, he hit an unforgettable game-winning home run in the 12th inning to force a seventh game. In 1977 Fisk hit .315 with 26 HR and 102 RBI and committed only four passed balls as he battled the Yankees' Thurman Munson for the distinction of being the AL's best catcher. Fisk started the All-Star Game in both 1977 and 1978.

Fisk stunned Boston fans when he signed for the Chicago White Sox for the 1981 season. With his change of Sox, Fisk flip-flopped his uniform number from 27 to 72. In a fairy-tale fashion, Chicago opened the 1981 season at Fenway Park. Fisk hit a three-run, eighth-inning HR to win the game, 5-3.

In Chicago, Fisk defied the aging process, accepting occasional assignments in the outfield, at first base, or as DH, but playing most of his games at catcher. He hit .289 with 26 HR in 1983 to help the White Sox to their first AL West title. In 1984 he hit 21 HR and in 1985 he recorded career bests in both HR (37) and RBI (107). Thirty-three of his 37 HR's came as a catcher, eclipsing Lance Parrish's year-old AL record for the position. As a 40-year old in 1988, he hit .277 with 19 HR in only 76 games.

Fisk was selected for his last All-Star Game in 1991, incredibly, at the age of 43. He arrived at baseball's ultimate shrine (HOF) by parlaying stubbornness, physical strength from long and exhaustive workouts, talent and a devotion to baseball. His number (72) was retired by the White Sox in 1997.