On August 6, 1972, Carlton Fisk achieved a historic milestone, hitting his 18th home run of the season and setting a new high for home runs by a Boston Red Sox catcher. This accomplishment broke the previous record of 17 home runs, set by Bob Tillman in 1964. Fisk’s record-setting homer came off Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, adding to the significance of the moment. As Fisk rounded the bases, teammates Reggie Smith, who had been on base, and Danny Cater greeted him with smiles and congratulations, celebrating the achievement.
Fisk’s remarkable performance that season solidified his reputation as a powerful hitter and a key player for the Red Sox. The milestone was just the beginning of Fisk’s legacy in Boston. He went on to surpass this mark in subsequent years, setting the single-season home run record for Red Sox catchers with 26 homers, a feat he accomplished twice—first in 1973 and again in 1977.
This achievement highlighted Fisk’s incredible offensive capabilities, particularly for a position not traditionally known for power hitting. His consistent performance behind the plate and at bat earned him a special place in Red Sox history and endeared him to fans. Decades later, Fisk’s records and contributions continue to be celebrated as a testament to his extraordinary talent and impact on the game of baseball.
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