Bernie Carbo: Hero Of 1975 World Series Game Six

Do you thank God for everything that you have in life? That was part of the message former Boston Red Sox player, Bernie Carbo, was telling those who gathered at a nearby church to meet and hear some of Bernie’s life stories and learn more of the life he has had.

Bernie Carbo is one of those baseball players who I will never forget. If you will, recall the 1975 World Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox. Boston was behind by three runs in the 8th inning with two outs and facing the prospects of losing the World Series to Cincinnati in six games.

Bernie Carbo was called on to pinch hit with two runners on base. For those who recall, he nailed a home run to tie the ball game. But how many of you remember that? Perhaps you remember the repeatedly played footage of Carton Fisk’s 10th inning home run that won that game for Boston. This was the home run where Fisk is seen in a sideways bunny hop down the first base line and waving his arms frantically hoping his effort will keep the ball in fair territory.

I have heard that Carbo once told friends that people forget that had he not tied the ballgame with his heroic home run, Fisk would never had come to bat in the 10th inning.

For me, the 1975 World Series was one of the greatest series ever played and last night I got the opportunity to meet one of the heroes of that series and a baseball player who has never left my memory.

Some may think that Bernie has a lot to thank God for being the great baseball player he was, and he has but in his message, baseball was only a small part of his life and who he is.

After the program, Bernie hung around and greeted every kid, some well into their 80s, signed autographs and encouraged everyone to go out the next day and tell someone about Jesus. It was a delight to watch the faces of the kids.

I had the opportunity to spend a little time chatting with Bernie and his wife Tammy.

Tom Remington Photo

Tom Remington