In 1973 when I was a teenage A's fanatic, the team pulled off a midseason trade to acquire catcher Ray Fosse from Cleveland. His shoulder was permanently damaged when Pete Rose ploughed into him at the 1970 All Star Game and he was never the same slugger but he was a decent hitter and very savvy catcher. The trade enabled the A's to move catcher Gene Tenace (some power but mediocre game caller) to first base. Fosse went from cellar dweller to first place team and defending World Series champion. He won two more World Series with the A's in 1973 and 1974. I suppose calling a game is made easier when pitching staff includes Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Kenny Holtzman, and Rollie Finger anchoring bullpen. Following the 1974 World Series A's owner Charlie Finley had a fire sale of players and Fosse went back to Cleveland. While there he caught a young Dennis Eckersley's no-hitter. Eck later came to Oakland and became baseball's premier reliever. After retiring Fosse returned to Oakland as a broadcaster. He was known for his baseball savvy and extensive preparation. He called games through great years and terrible ones, through several partners. Last August Fosse revealed he had been battling cancer for several years and had reached the point he needed to take a leave from his job. This week Ray Fosse lost the battle. May he always have natural grass, sunny days, and healthy knees. RIP.
