SWANSEA - The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research (CMR) will have legendary Red Sox Catcher and Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk as its special guest at the CMR’s ninth annual Celebrity/Scholarship Dinner April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Venus de Milo Restaurant.

Carlton “Pudge” Fisk, a New England native, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1967 and played mostly in the minors until being called up to the big league at the end of 1971. His unusual ability, as both a catcher and hitter, resulted in his being unanimously named Rookie of the Year in 1972; this marked the beginning of one of the most successful careers in baseball history. Fisk continued with the Red Sox through 1980 when he moved to the Chicago White Sox. He retired in 1993 holding numerous records including most homeruns for a catcher (351) and most games caught (2,226).

For most baseball fans it is Fisk’s never to be forgotten home run off the foul pole at Fenway Park during the memorable 1975 World Series that best defines their memory of him and his extraordinary baseball career. It was this career-defining moment that set up a dramatic Game Six comeback against the Reds. Few will ever forget the picture of Fisk madly waving his arms in an effort to will the ball fair. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2000, Fisk remains to this day one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game of baseball.

A VIP reception, with a limit of 75 attendees, will be hosted immediately prior to the dinner. Tickets for the VIP Reception are $75 each. Dinner tickets are $75 per person or $750.00 for a table of 10. Posters will be available for purchase at both events. For more information and/or tickets, contact Ava Lescault, (508) 910-6435 or email to alescault@umassd.edu.