FISK FINALLY COMES HOME
The year was 1971 at 12:01am when Carlton Fisk was awaken by a call from his agent. He just notified Fisk that the contract talks with Sandusky broke down forcing the Fairgoers to trade the #1 overall pick. Fisk asked where he was going. The answer was Hollywood. Hollywood had increased their revenue due to the new stadium and was waiting with open-arms. At the time the Vampires paid a heavy price sending talent players such as Tony Perez, Luis Tiant and Gene Tenace to the Fairgoers in exchange for the rights to draft Fisk. When asked about the trade, his agent responded, “Fisk really didn’t want to play for a team that has a Clown for a logo. He didn’t feel that he would be taken seriously.”
Fast forward to the year 1973….. Hollywood was coming off disappointing 4 games to 2 World Series loss to the Chicago Demolition. Fisk was off to a horrible start, hitting only .161 through 26 games for a Vampire team hoping to get back to the World Series. It was a sad day in the Fisk household when he received the call. Fisk was sitting in the clubhouse unstrapping his catchers gear when owner Steve Cutler sat down next to him. Fisk turned to him and said, “Sorry Mr. Cutler. I’m honestly surprised I haven’t been benched yet. I can’t hit a thing.” Cutler’s response, “It happens Carlton. I came down here because I wanted to deliver some news to you. We had the opportunity to acquire Bench from Berry Hill, with some other valuable pieces, so I made the trade. I feel that we are that 1 piece away from winning a World Series and while I know we are giving up some future pieces, the time is now for us.” Fisk’s response, “I understand. Bench is awesome and my idol. I guess if I was to be traded, at least it was for him.” “I’m glad you understand Carlton. You will be a great catcher, I have no doubt and if the opportunity ever arises, I will bring you back to Hollywood. You have my word.” Fisk and Cutler shake hands as Cutler leaves the locker room. Hollywood goes on to win (2) World Series with Johnny Bench strapping on the catcher’s gear.
Fast forward again…this time ten more years….. to 1983. Hollywood is looking for an everyday catcher and gets a call from Western Mass owner Brian Whitacre. Whitacre, in his second year of ownership, was looking to move an aging vet behind the plate for a younger guy with potential. When Cutler asked who was the catcher he was looking to move, Whitacre stated, Carlton Fisk. Cutler’s response, “Done! Now let’s talk terms.” An unnamed source in the Hollywood office said the deal terms lasted 2 minutes at best. Cutler made an offer of their 1st round pick in 1984 plus Don Slaught and asked for a 10th round pick back. Whitacre agreed and the deal was done. The unnamed source also reports that Cutler asked to make the call to Fisk. Whitacre agreed to those terms as well.
It was 6:02pm ET on July 1st when Carlton Fisk’s phone rang. He recalls the conversation as so:
“Hello,” said Fisk.
“Carlton, Steve Cutler, how are you,” said Cutler.
“Hey there. Missed you when we opened the season against you guys,” said Fisk.
“Sorry, couldn’t make it in. I was busy trying to put some trades together the last 2 weeks. We think we can make it back to the World Series, but we need a couple more pieces,” said Cutler.
“That’s great. You guys look tough. Man that offense is awesome. Did you get what you guys were looking for,” responded Fisk.
“Yeah, I believe we did. It was you Carlton. Welcome home,” said Cutler.
“I wept like a 3 yr old school girl, recalls Fisk. “I couldn’t believe it. He kept his word. I guess staying in touch with him all these years paid off after all.”
Hollywood has reacquired their 1971 #1 overall pitch, a little over 10 years after trading him. The last time Hollywood traded for a catcher this far in the season, they won the World Series. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell. But for now, Hollywood will add Fisk to their very potent lineup that can hammer or run teams to submission. Fisk is home and he hopes it’s for good.