Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Oakland A's Icon Ray Fosse, 74, Dies After Long Cancer Battle
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 2 years ago on
October 14, 2021

Share

OAKLAND — Ray Fosse, the strong-armed catcher whose career was upended when he was bowled over by Pete Rose at the 1970 All-Star Game, has died. He was 74.

Carol Fosse, his wife of 51 years, said in a statement online that Fosse died Wednesday after a 16-year bout with cancer.

Fosse was a budding talent for Cleveland when he made his first All-Star team as a 23-year-old in 1970, the same year he hit .307 with a career-high 18 homers and won the first of two Gold Gloves while throwing out 55% of attempted base stealers.

Rose barreled over him to score the winning run in the 12th inning of the exhibition at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. Fosse fractured and separated his left shoulder, and he told The Associated Press in 2015 his body still ached 45 years later.

“As much as it’s shown, I don’t have to see it on TV as a replay to know what happened. It’s fresh,” he said.

Ray Fosse
In this July 14, 1970, file photo, National League’s Pete Rose, left, is hugged by teammate Dick Dietz while American League catcher Ray Fosse lies injured on the ground, after Rose crashed into Fosse to score the game-winning run in the baseball All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Fosse, the strong-armed catcher whose career was upended when he was bowled over by Rose in the All-Star Game, has died. He was 74. Carol Fosse, his wife of 51 years, said in a statement Fosse died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, after a 16-year bout with cancer. (AP Photo, File)

Two-Time All-Star Became Popular A’s Broadcaster

A first-round draft pick by Cleveland in 1965 from Marion, Illinois, Fosse made his second and final All-Star team in 1971 but never replicated that terrific 1970 season over a 12-year career with Cleveland, Oakland, Seattle and Milwaukee.

He batted .256 with 61 homers in 924 games, and helped the Athletics win the World Series in 1973 and ’74.

After his playing days were done, Fosse became a popular broadcaster for the A’s beginning in 1986, and he worked through part of the 2021 season.

“The Oakland A’s are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ray Fosse,” the team said in a statement Wednesday. “Few people epitomize what it means to be an Athletic more than Ray. He was the type of franchise icon who always made sure every player, coach, colleague, and fan knew that they were part of the A’s family. We send our deepest condolences to Carol, Nikki and Lindsey, his family, and friends during this difficult time. We’ll miss you, Ray.”

Injuries Took Physical Toll on Fosse

Fosse told the AP in 2015 that he had pain and arthritis, endured five knee surgeries, had two bum shoulders he never had fixed, and a stiff neck.

Of course, he knew that wasn’t all from Rose’s blow at the All-Star Game. A lot of that was a result of the rigors of being a catcher.

“My body hurts. My shoulder still hurts,” he said. “There was not anybody at the time to say, ‘Don’t play.’ I continued. That’s something that I take with a lot of pride.”

Two days after the All-Star Game, Fosse caught nine innings in a win at Kansas City. He couldn’t lift his left arm above his head.

“That’s something people will continue to talk about, whether they were alive at the time or watched the video and see the result,” Fosse said.

“There have been some harder hits. Just the fact it was an All-Star Game, they always vote on the All-Star Game highlights or lowlights, and that always seems to be at the top that people talk about.”

The Cleveland Indians also released a statement after Fosse’s death.

“The Cleveland Indians family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Fosse, a true fan favorite who loved wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform. He was so proud to be our top draft pick in 1965. We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Fosse family, as well as his many teammates, Major League broadcast colleagues and the organizations impacted by his nearly 60 years in the game he loved,” said Indians executive Bob DiBiasio.

 

 

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled

DON'T MISS

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

DON'T MISS

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

DON'T MISS

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

DON'T MISS

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull

DON'T MISS

House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4

DON'T MISS

Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO

DON'T MISS

CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests

DON'T MISS

Corrupt Process? Bullard, Edison Parents Blast Handling of Superintendent Search

DON'T MISS

Police Had About 90 Seconds to Stop Traffic Before Baltimore Bridge Fell. 6 Workers Are Feared Dead

No data was found

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

16 hours ago

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

17 hours ago

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

18 hours ago

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull

18 hours ago

House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4

18 hours ago

Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO

18 hours ago

CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests

18 hours ago

Corrupt Process? Bullard, Edison Parents Blast Handling of Superintendent Search

19 hours ago

Police Had About 90 Seconds to Stop Traffic Before Baltimore Bridge Fell. 6 Workers Are Feared Dead

20 hours ago

NBC Has Cut Ties With Former RNC Head Ronna McDaniel After Employee Objections, Some on the Air

20 hours ago

Supermom Carmi Is Ready to Be Embraced by Her Forever Family

Carmi, an incredible 1-year-old kitten mama, can be very gentle but can also get overstimulated and give love bites. Even her warm, honey-co...
Animals /

3 hours ago

Animals /
3 hours ago

Supermom Carmi Is Ready to Be Embraced by Her Forever Family

11 hours ago

Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled

Composite image of President Trump and Devin Nunes
15 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: How Going to Work for Trump Turned Devin Nunes Into a Millionaire

16 hours ago

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

17 hours ago

Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case

18 hours ago

CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?

18 hours ago

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull

18 hours ago

House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4

MENU

CONNECT WITH US

Search

Send this to a friend