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CLEVELAND, OH --- The Cleveland Indians are saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Fosse tonight. He was 74 years old.
“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 Bob DiBiasio, Senior Vice President Public Affairs.
In his eight seasons with the Tribe, Fosse amassed 50 home runs, 230 RBI and 549 hits as Cleveland’s backstop.
Born in Marion, Illinois on April 4, 1947, Fosse was a three-time MVP for the Marion High School baseball team. He was selected in the first round of the 1965 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians. After three years in the minors, Fosse made his Major League Debut for the club in September of 1967. Fosse began receiving regular playing time in 1970, recording 18 home runs, 61 RBI in 120 games, playing his way onto his first All-Star team.
Fosse is well known for his part in the 12th inning of the 1970 All-Star Game when Pete Rose collided with Fosse at a play at the plate. Initially it was thought that Ray came away unhurt, but later discovered that Fosse had a fracture and separation of his shoulder.
Fosse was named to his second All-Star team in 1971. In 1973, Cleveland traded Fosse to the Oakland Athletics where he was as a member of two World Series winning teams. He returned to Cleveland in 1976, playing parts of two seasons with the club before brief stints with Seattle and Milwaukee.
In 1986, Fosse joined the Athletics broadcast team where he remained for 35 seasons, stepping away in the middle of the 2021 season. The catcher was selected as a member of the 100 greatest Cleveland Indians players in 2001.