Carlton "Pudge" Fisk

Baseball's most durable catcher with 24 years behind the plate, Carlton Fisk caught more games (2,226) than any player in history. The 11-time All-Star hit 376 career home runs, including a record-setting 351 as a catcher, since bested by Mike Piazza. His most memorable home run came in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series -- a 12th-inning blast off the left-field foul pole at Fenway Park -- giving his Red Sox a 7-6 win over Cincinnati. His tremendous pride and work ethic were respected by both teammates as well as the opposition.

Carlton Ernest Fisk was born on Friday, December 26, 1947, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. He grew up across the river in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Fisk graduated from Charlestown High School, playing baseball for the American Legion team in Bellows Falls. At the University of New Hampshire, Fisk started for the basketball team, while also playing baseball. Fisk was 21 years old when he broke into the big leagues on September 18, 1969, with the Boston Red Sox.

Fisk was known by the nickname "Pudge" due to his 6'2", 220 lb frame. He was the first player to be unanimously voted American League Rookie of the Year (1972). Fisk is best known for "waving fair" his game-winning home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, one of the greatest moments in World Series history. At the time of his retirement in 1993, he held the record for most home runs all-time by a catcher with 351 (since passed by Mike Piazza). A testament to his durability behind the plate, Fisk held the record for most games played at the position of catcher (2,226) until June 17, 2009 when he was surpassed by another "Pudge," Iván Rodríguez. Fisk still holds the American League record for most years served behind the plate (24). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Source: Wikipedia