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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Peace Reigns As Fisk, White Sox Play Catch-Up Chicago Softens Bitter Departure, Retires Famed Receiver’s Number

Associated Press

Four years after his bitter departure from the Chicago White Sox, Carlton Fisk returned for the first time Sunday as the team retired his No. 72 and honored the man who hit more homers than any catcher.

Fisk caught for 24 seasons, leaving the Boston Red Sox to join the White Sox in 1981. He broke Johnny Bench’s homer record for a catcher in 1990 and finished with 351 at that position.

After setting the major league record for games caught (2,226) in 1993, Fisk was released later that season.

When the White Sox got into the playoffs, Fisk tried to get into the clubhouse to see his former teammates but was refused access.

“I was crushed, absolutely crushed,” he said. “I think every situation demands a little time away. We’ve had a little time away and today is an appreciation and recognition.”

Fisk, who wore No. 27 with the Red Sox, wouldn’t talk about which Sox cap he would wear into the Hall of Fame - Boston or Chicago.

“That’s not an appropriate question today,” he said. In an earlier interview he admitted he had given it thought.

There were hugs from former teammates Ozzie Guillen and Robin Ventura and handshakes and back slaps all around Sunday.

Fisk made brief comments to the crowd in which he said: “All fairy tales have scary parts and uncomfortable parts and thanks to today, this fairy tale has a happy ending.”

Neither general manager Ron Schueler nor owner Jerry Reinsdorf participated in the ceremony.

Fisk, 49, hit 376 career home runs, including 25 in games when he was not catching. He was only the third catcher to hit at least 300 home runs, score 1,000 runs and drive in 1,000 runs; the others were Yogi Berra and Bench, both Hall of Famers.

Earlier this month Fisk was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. His return to Fenway Park was the first time he’d been in a major league ballpark since the White Sox released him.

Fisk is the eighth White Sox player to have his number retired. The others are Nellie Fox (No. 2), Harold Baines (3), Luke Appling (4), Minnie Minoso (9), Luis Aparicio (11), Ted Lyons (16) and Billy Pierce (27).