Carlton Fisk Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Carlton Ernest Fisk, known affectionately as "Pudge," was born on December 26, 1947, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Raised in Charlestown, New Hampshire, he grew up on a farm with three brothers and two sisters. His father, Cecil, was a machinist and part-time farmer who was also an exceptional tennis player. Fisk's mother, Leona, was a talented bowler, tennis player, and softball player. Their influence instilled in him a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit. Fisk excelled in multiple sports during his youth, including baseball, basketball, and soccer, and was known for his leadership and intensity on the field. Fisk attended the University of New Hampshire on a basketball scholarship but switched to baseball after being drafted in the first round of the 1967 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He made his major league debut in 1969 and quickly established himself as a formidable catcher. In 1972, he became the American League's first-ever unanimous Rookie of the Year after hitting .293 with 22 home runs and leading the league in triples. That same year, he won his only Gold Glove Award, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills behind the plate. Over the next two decades, Fisk became one of the most durable and consistent catchers in baseball history. He played 24 seasons in the majors, spending 11 years with the Red Sox and 13 with the Chicago White Sox. Fisk caught a record 2,226 games, a mark that stood until 2009, and hit 376 home runs, including a career-high 37 in 1985. He was selected to 11 All-Star teams and won three Silver Slugger Awards. Fisk's leadership and ability to handle pitchers earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. One of the most iconic moments of Fisk's career came in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, when he hit a dramatic 12th-inning home run that helped the Red Sox secure a victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The image of Fisk waving his arms to keep the ball fair remains one of the most memorable in baseball history. Despite the Red Sox losing the series in seven games, Fisk's performance solidified his place in the hearts of fans. After retiring from playing, Fisk remained involved in baseball, serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Illinois State University and rejoining the Red Sox as a special assistant to the general manager. In 2000, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, choosing to wear a Red Sox cap on his plaque, reflecting his deep ties to New England. Both the Red Sox and White Sox have honored him by retiring his jersey numbers, 27 and 72, respectively. Fisk's legacy as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history endures, and he continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the game.