Carlton Fisk to join IL at Cooperstown Classic
Published on April 8, 2008 under International League (IL1) News Release
The International League, in conjunction with the Syracuse Chiefs and Rochester Red Wings, is proud to announce that National Baseball Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk will be in Cooperstown, NY on Sunday, May 18 as the League and two of its most tenured teams celebrate the circuit's quasquicentennial anniversary season.
Fisk enjoyed a legendary 24-year Major League career that spanned four different decades with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox, and he is now one of only eight players to have his number retired by more than one team. The Red Sox have also re-named their left field foul pole the "Fisk Pole" in honor of his iconic game-winning home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.
Before achieving legendary status in the big leagues, Fisk played his final Minor League season in 1971 with the International League's Louisville Colonels. During that season "Pudge" hit .263 with 10 home runs and 43 RBI for the Colonels in 94 games, ultimately earning a promotion to Boston for 14 games near the end of the season. Fisk is one of 99 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame to have spent time in the International League.
In his first full season at the Major League level, Fisk won the American League Rookie of the Year Award as well as the Gold Glove for catchers. Three Silver Slugger Awards and 11 American League All-Star selections later, Fisk was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the Class of 2000.
"To have a League alumnus of Carlton Fisk's stature be part of what will be remembered as one of the most celebrated dates in League history will be special for everyone in attendance", said International League President Randy Mobley. "The image of Pudge waving that ball fair in the 6th game of the '75 World Series is one that baseball fans young and old will never forget."
Fisk is expected to meet with members of the media prior to the Cooperstown Classic and then deliver a ceremonial first pitch to begin the day's events. He will also make a special appearance on both the Syracuse and Rochester radio broadcasts during the game.
He will spend the evening at the private reception inside the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The reception on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. will give fans the opportunity to share hallowed ground with the Hall of Famer amidst the gallery of plaques. Members of the Syracuse and Rochester teams that play in the afternoon will also be in attendance and available to fans.
Game tickets and a limited number of reception tickets are available by contacting the Syracuse Chiefs (315-474-7833; wwwSyracuseChiefs.com) or Rochester Red Wings (585-454-1001; wwwRedWingsBaseball.com).
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