The potential of his bat became evident as well earlier than many expected. In 1968, his first full year of pro ball, Fisk put up a stat line at Single A Waterloo of a much more polished prospect, hitting .338 with 12 homers in just 62 games. It was enough to catch the eye of the Seattle Pilots, whose general manager, Marvin Milkes, admitted to coveting the young catcher before the draft.The Globe's Clif Keane wrote: "Milkes would like a Dave Morehead from the Red Sox, and a Billy Conigliaro, and possibly a Carlton Fisk." Fortunately for the Sox if not the doomed Pilots, Fisk was added to the 40-man roster that October.

Fisk had his ups and downs at the plate in '69, hitting .243 with 14 homers in 125 games between two levels. But the season ended in personal triumph -- he was recalled to Boston for two games at the end of the season, a big leaguer at 21. He did not lack for confidence. That winter, he lamented to the Globe that the Red Sox went five deep on the catching depth chart, wondering where he fit in. "There's Don Pavletich, myself, [Bob] Montgomery, Tom Satriano, Russ Gibson for a starter," Fisk said. "I wish I knew [where I fit in]." Keane even speculated that Montgomery, and not Fisk, was "the fairhaired boy of the lot."

Little did Fisk know would not make it back again until the end of the '71 season, when he got into 14 games. The Red Sox media guides through the early part of his career serve as a glimpse into the challenges he endured and the ups and downs of his prospect status.

1970 media guide: Made a fine impression in his first trip to Winter Haven last spring and became Pittsfield's number one catcher despite only one previous year of professional experience. Has all the tools to become a fine major league catcher: size, outstanding arm, showed great improvement as a receiver, with power at the plate. In addition, he is a take charge catcher with hustle and aggressiveness.

1971 media guide: He got off to a fine start with Pawtucket but would up with a disappointing season [.263, 10 homers], and will have to battle back to contend as one of the Red Sox catchers of the future.

In 1972, the future became he present. He beat out Bob Montgomery as the starter, relegating him to career-long Pudge Caddy status, and drew early raves from opposing scouts. "Has taken over the regular catching duties for the Boston Club,'' wrote Royals scout Steve Vrablik. "Real good arm strength and good carry on his throws. ... An aggressive, take-charge receiver and with added experience will be a good one. Long-ball type hitter. Would certainly help out club.

Fisk went on to hit 22 homers, a league-best nine triples, bat .293 with a .909 OPS, and earn this high praise the following year:

1973 media guide: At 25, "Pudge" may already be the best catcher in the American League. He became the first unanimous choice as American League "rookie of the year,'' also Boston's most valuable player, the American League All Star catcher as voted by his fellow players in the Sporting News, and the 1972 catching Gold Glove winner. It was his season long performance which kept the Red Sox within striking distance in 1972, and he seems destined for a great career.

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9. CECIL COOPER

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Top 50 Red Sox Prospects of Past 50 Years: 10-1