It is the site of one of the greatest moments in Red Sox history. Carlton’s Fisk’s twelfth inning blast hitting the left field foul pole for a homerun against the Cincinnati Reds, forcing a Game 7 in the historic 1975 World Series. Last season, the Sox finally honored that moment by naming the pole “Fisk’s Pole,” and various festivities were held. But the whole concept of Fisk’s Pole has failed to generate any enthusiasm, and the popular former catcher is very bitter about it.
“They tell me they’ve sold about three tee-shirts,” said a downcast Fisk. “They produced all kinds of merchandise, hats, shirts, you name it. Even commemorative poles. But nobody seems to be interested in it.” Fisk also laments that the play-by-play men for Red Sox broadcasts seem to have forgotten about it. “The least they could do is mention it when someone hits a homerun. You know, ‘Fly ball, heading towards Fisk’s Pole, it’s gone!’ Nothing.”
Fisk feels that his pole will forever live in the shadow of the older and better known pole, Pesky’s Pole. “What a joke that is,” he said, his voice rich with cynicism. “That dinky little thing is just sticking out of the ground out there in right field. My pole reaches majestically up into the sky. Pesky is famous for holding the ball in the ’46 World Series, and I’m a World Series hero! Where’s the justice?”
As Fisk walked by the concession stands recently, he noted sadly that all Fisk’s Pole merchandise was being marked down by 90%. “Next they’ll be giving it away,” he glumly noted. Then, a fan came up and showed Fisk his tickets, asking him how to get to his seats. Fisk smiled brightly and said, “Those are right alongside Fisk’s Pole!” The fan looked at him confusedly and asked, “Where's that?”
