MLB catcher and announcer Ray Fosse dies at 74 after a 16-year battle with cancer
According to the Oakland Athletics, long-time big-league catcher and announcer Ray Fosse died on Wednesday after a 16-year battle with cancer. Fosse was 74 years old when he died.
As a catcher, Fosse had a 12-year career in the majors. In 1967, he made his major league debut with Cleveland, and he went on to play in the All-Star Game in 1970 and 1971. Because of Pete Rose’s decision to barrel over Fosse, Fosse’s involvement in the 1970 event has remained imprinted in the sport’s memory. Fosse suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder as a result of the accident, injuries that hampered him for the remainder of his career, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Following Fosse’s death, the Athletics issued the following statement:
We’ll miss you, Ray. pic.twitter.com/0MWrUzL3iK
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 14, 2021
Fosse would go on to have a long and successful career as a result of his outstanding defense. He’d play for the Athletics, the Seattle Mariners, and the Milwaukee Brewers. With 61 home runs and a.256/.306/.367 line (90 OPS+), he concluded his career with a.256/.306/.367 line (90 OPS+). Fosse won a pair of Gold Glove Awards and was a finalist for the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1971.
Fosse also played for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers, among other teams.
Carol, Ray’s wife, issued the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that Carol Fosse, Ray Fosse’s wife of 51 years, shares the sad news that Ray Fosse lost his battle to cancer on October 13, 2021, after silently fighting it for the past 16 years. Carol and daughters, Nikki and Lindsey, send their lover out to family, friends, and fans that mourn his loss with them.”
Statement from NBC Sports California:
“NBC Sports California is deeply saddened to learn of Ray Fosse’s passing. Our thoughts are with his wife, Carol, his daughters, Nikki and Lindsey, and his family as we mourn the loss of a truly exceptional colleague and friend. Ray’s deep connection and significant impact on NBC Sports California, the A’s franchise, and the fanbase over a half-century as a player, broadcaster, and ambassador will endure well into the future. We are thankful to have known Ray and fortunate to have been a part of his tremendous life and career. He will be greatly missed”