Ray Fosse was a catcher for Major League Baseball teams including the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians, as well as a color commentator after his playing career.
- Died: October 13, 2021 (Who else died on October 13?)
- Details of death: Died of cancer at the age of 74.
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MLB career
Fosse started his major league career with the Cleveland Indians in 1969 after playing in the minors for several years. He was a two-time All-Star with the Indians, including a memorable moment in the 1970 All-Star game when Pete Rose collided with him at home plate. Fosse’s shoulder was fractured and separated, though he was able to return to play later in the season. He was traded to the Athletics in 1973, going to World Series victory that year and in 1974. Fosse returned to the Indians and also played for the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers before his retirement in 1979. In 1986, he became a color commentator for the A’s, working on TV and radio until stepping away for medical reasons just a few months before his death.
Fosse’s advice for aspiring catchers
“Throw. Throw. Throw. Throw! I think the one thing the catchers need to be able to do is have a strong arm, obviously accuracy to throw to the bases, especially second base, quick feet and to work on it. To have strong legs you have to have a strong foundation.” —from a 2011 interview for Athletics Nation
Tributes to Ray Fosse
Full obituary: The Mercury News
