Carlton Fisk Home Run (1975)

Lore & Background

Facing Reds right-hander Pat Darcy, Fisk hit a long fly ball down the left field line. It appeared to be heading foul, but Fisk, after initially appearing unsure of whether or not to continue running to first base, famously jumped and waved his arms to the right as if to somehow direct the ball fair; the ball ricocheted off the foul pole. Fisk's 'body English', 'waving' the ball fair, was captured on a TV camera stationed in the scoreboard. Though the home run remains to many the most iconic moment of the 1975 World Series, the Reds defeated the Red Sox in the following night's winner-take-all Game 7 on a tie-breaking single in the ninth inning, and prolonged the Red Sox' World Series title drought, which began in 1918 and eventually lasted until 2004.

In Their Own Story

The air in Fenway held its breath, heavy with humidity and a tension that pressed against your chest. Fisk tracked the ball off the bat, a low line cutter diving toward the shadow of the Green Monster. He knew instantly it wouldn't stay fair without help. As it sailed, he leaped from his crouch, arms flailing in a frantic, rhythmic command. 'Stay fair,' the motion screamed with every jump. The stadium fell into a suspended silence, broken only by the scrape of his cleats against the dirt. Then came the sharp ping against the yellow foul pole. The explosion that followed wasn't just sound; it was a physical wave crashing over the city.

Reader's Guide

The home run occurred in the bottom of the 12th inning of Game 6, which was played at Fenway Park. The game was postponed three days because of rain. The Red Sox had trailed 6–3 in the bottom of the eighth before pinch hitter Bernie Carbo hit a three-run homer to tie the game. Fisk's home run was the game-winner.

Did You Know?

• The home run was hit off Reds pitcher Pat Darcy.
• Fisk's home run tied the World Series at three games each, forcing a Game 7.
• The ball ricocheted off the foul pole after Fisk waved his arms to direct it fair.
• The Reds won Game 7 the following night on a tie-breaking single in the ninth inning.