Carlton Fisk: 1969, 1971-1980
Remembered for this iconic home run, Fisk’s career was far bigger than his performance in the 1975 World Series. His career 38.3 fWAR with the Red Sox is a full 14 wins higher than Jason Varitek’s, despite playing in nearly 500 fewer games. In fact, Fisk is one of the top-5 catchers in baseball history by both FanGraphs’ and Baseball References’ measurements of WAR and was recognized for his stellar career with an induction into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
During Fisks’ 11-year tenure as a member of the Red Sox, before signing as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox, he hit .284 with a .837 OPS and 126 OPS+. He ranks second among Sox catchers in home runs, RBI, and runs scored.
Made famous for his stellar play on the field, Fisks’ open feud with Yankees’ catcher Thurman Munson only further endeared him to Red Sox Nation. Their rivalry culminated during a 1973 game at Fenway Park in which Munson ran through Fisk in an attempt to score on a sacrifice bunt, leading to a bench-clearing brawl and the two catchers’ ejections.
In his 11 seasons with the Red Sox, Fisk was named to the American League All-Star team seven times. He would finish as high as fourth in MVP voting, following the 1972 season in which he took home the Rookie of the Year Award and Gold Glove.
Quite simply, Carlton Fisk was the best to ever man the plate for the Red Sox.