Tough player, one of my favorites as a kid. Had his best seasons with the Red Sox, though he had some good ones with Chicago too, and actually played more games as a White Sox. Best A.L. catcher of the 70's, even better than his rival Munson. Munson was a better hitter for average, but in all other aspects of the game, Fisk was clearly superior- especially overall defense and speed, for a catcher, Fisk was relatively quick and mobile.

He was a threat at the plate and he will be remembered both offensively and defensively as of the best to play the game.

Fisk is the second best catcher ever behind bench he was a clutch performer who could control a game as a catcher. He was great and durable.

A rightful Hall-of-Famer. But his resume is not quite in the tier of the greatest backstops ever. He has many all-time records for a catcher, but he was more of an accumulator of stats than someone who had eye-opening numbers. He never won an MVP and never won a World Series (though he gave us a defining WS moment). Never led the league in any major offensive categories; but did once lead the AL in triples!!! All that aside, I would love to have Fisk on my team.

When you look at the total package, it is clear that this is one of the top ten catchers in history. Outstanding defensively, and a good handler of pitchers, he hold many major league career hitting records for catchers. A real gamer, his only flaw in my view, was his habit of dragging games out forever by his habit of trotting out to the mound ten times an inning.

But for Fisk, Bench would have been in his own league. Unfortunately for Carlton, he'll always be the bridesmaid to Bench's bride.

1. responsible for the greatest moment in baseball 2. More home runs than any other catcher 3. played longer than anyone in history Carlton Fisk is the greatest catcher ever