Longtime Athletics broadcaster and former All-Star catcher Ray Fosse passed away today at age 74, as announced by his wife Carol. Fosse stepped away from the broadcasting booth back in August in order to deal with cancer, as Fosse revealed that he had been fighting with the disease for the last 16 years.
The official statement from the Athletics…
“The Oakland A’s are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ray Fosse. Few people epitomize what it means to be an Athletic more than Ray. He was the type of franchise icon who always made sure every player, coach, colleague, and fan knew that they were part of the Oakland A’s family. We send our deepest condolences to Carol, Nikki and Lindsey, his family and friends during this difficult time. We’ll miss you, Ray.”
A veteran of 12 MLB seasons from 1967-79, Fosse played for four different teams during his career, but is best known for his eight seasons with the Indians and three years with the A’s. Fosse was a two-time Gold Glove winner and two-time All-Star during his time in Cleveland, with that first ASG appearance resulting in an infamous collision at the plate with Pete Rose on the final play of the 1970 Midsummer Classic. The apocryphal version of the incident is that the collision allegedly ruined Fosse’s career, and though he did suffer lingering shoulder problems for years after the fact, Fosse did go on to play eight more seasons in the bigs.
Fosse’s three seasons in Oakland included World Series victories in both 1973 and 1974, and it led to a long post-retirement association with the A’s after his retirement. Fosse called A’s games on TV and radio from 1986 until this past summer, becoming the voice of Athletics baseball for an entire generation of Bay Area fans.
Many social media tributes have already poured in from friends, fans, players, and colleagues paying homage to Fosse’s legacy in the sport, and to his personal friendships with so many in the game. We at MLB Trade Rumors pass on our condolences to Fosse’s family and loved ones.
Sad to hear. I wish his family the best.
Thoughts and prayers.
Always remembered for the 1970 All-Star game but also a good announcer and good man. Rest In Peace Ray
@tbone
To this A’s fan he’s simply irreplaceable.
As a broadcaster he had the incredible ability to talk to millions but at the same time made it feel as if he were talking to you individually.. His enthusiasm was boundless – you knew there was no place he’d rather be than at the Colosseum (which is saying something!).
There was never a “bitter ex-pro” in his commentary – and he was able to fiercely support the A’s whilst applauding and acknowledging both teams.
Only touching on a broadcasting level, as plenty of others will for his wonderful professional career. An outstanding announcer/color guy where it is getting to a point of fewer of his type.
Bless him and his family during this time.
When I lived in the Bay area I enjoyed listening to him. He will be missed.
It’s just a tremendous lost not only to Baseball but to the world in general. His knowledge and sense of humor were unique. Ray, your family and the A’s family miss you already!
I’ve enjoyed listening to Ray, Glen and recently Dallas on the A’s broadcast.. loved hearing Ray talk about what the catcher should be doing or past stories of when he was playing.. my dad was an avid A’s fan from the Philly days and he passed away 2 years ago today… hope they both are enjoying A’s stories up there.
He will be missed. See you in Cooperstown Ray.
He did so much while battling cancer for 16 years. I listened to him broadcast A’s games from day 1 in 1986.
Great A’s broadcaster. He will be missed by viewers everywhere. Please make Dallas a permanent part of the booth with Dontrelle guest hosting.
R.I.P. Ray.
This also reminds to send thoughts and prayers (for real) to Jerry Remy who is also battling cancer
@RSox, I was wondering why I haven’t seen him (during the regular season)
I know he has been battling cancer for a while now
I like him in the booth
Eckersly drives me bananas!!! Good heavens does he ever.
Eckersley grows on you after a while. He’s much more into it than Eliis Burks or Lenny DiNardo who are kind of wooden
R.I.P Ray.
As a die hard Red Sox fan, Eckersley has been a savior this year. I think he’s a great color announcer, but I understand how he rubs some people the wrong way.
I am sorry to hear this
I enjoyed the A’s broadcasts, I didn’t watch them as much as I did when I first got MLB Extra Innings, but the A’s broadcast team was top notch
May Ray Fosse Rest in Peace
Glen and Ray were such an incredible duo to listen to during A’s games. Honestly, the Bay Area has been super blessed to have so many great voices in baseball.
Ray was a serious fighter. Prayers to his family and friends. Oakland A’s had a rough year as a whole.
I was, and still am, extremely saddened to hear this. Ray has been calling A’s games as long as I can remember. He has been a huge part of my life, and I am going to miss him deeply. Rest In Peace, Ray.
Where is Pete Rose?! he was a great announcer = sad.. hoped he would pull through.
Exactly-he needs to be brought in for questioning at the very least
Not an Oakland A’s fan but due to MLB Xtra Innings I got to tune in and watch Fosse on the late games. He was great. Sad to hear his final days were suffering but at least he isn’t suffering anymore.
RIP Ray Fosse
F Cancer!!!
RIP. There’s an entire generation, actually two by now, who grew up listening to him. He’ll always be a big part of many memories.
I don’t know A’s broadcasts without Ray. I can’t believe he’s gone. Met him several times at the yard and he was always upbeat and happy to be around baseball. Didn’t know this would bring me to tears, but it has. RIP Ray Fosse
Sad he will be forever remembered by my generation for the cheap shot Pete Rose play. I was there when it happened and nobody thought any different. There has been a kind of a hush about it in recent times as it is no longer PC to call it what it really was. DIRTY!
Fosse was rock solid behind the plate. I never heard his broadcasts, but from what has been written, he must have been pretty darned good behind the microphone, too
Sad to hear Ray is gone, but that incident in the All-Star game wasn’t a cheap shot, it’s how the game was played back then. Unlike these sissy primadonnas that play the game today, men played the game back then, and I’m sure Fosse would be the first to tell anyone that. He was a stand up guy!
Dunno. Rose’s attack was totally unnecessary. The ball wasn’t there and a simple slide would have sufficed, but “Charlie Hustle” and his arrogance just had to make a statement. It was dirty then and I still call it dirty now. That mistake in poor judgement cost Fosse a lot.
Pete Rose was Charlie False Hustle on the field. Unfortunately, he is indeed Charlie Hustle off it.
And this all happened in a meaningless all star game. I hated rose then and i hate him now
Rest in peace ray. Fly with the angels
Rose is one of my favorite players ever, but baloney. There was no reason for this, period. Garbage move then and it hasn’t gotten any prettier over time
Rest In Peace Ray.
RIP, Ray Fosse 🙁
My favorite player when he was on the Indians. One of the few bright spots back then.
Me too, suffer for tribe
1970 was the first year my brother and I learned about baseball and became fans. Our Cleveland Indians weren’t very good in those years but back then Ray Fosse was my favorite player. I was so angry at Pete Rose for that collision, and while I have to respect playing the game all-out, it seemed particularly cruel that it would happen to one of the few bright spots on our team, delivered by a player on a team that had so much success that year and for years to come (my perspective as a boy). To his credit, Ray never complained about that moment or blamed Rose for the collision; always a class act. I was always happy he got rings with those great A’s teams of the’70’s, and didn’t realize he had spent decades as a broadcaster there (as has fellow former Indian Duane Kuiper). It’s great to see the outpouring of affection and appreciation
For Ray from so many A’s fans. Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP to the Marion Mule, and thanks for the memories.
Rip, Fosse. Condolences to his friends & family.
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@Joe Brady –
Here’s to a helluva right cross.
RIP Ray. My condolences to his family and friends.
Very good announcer for the As. Will be missed. Please As, don’t give Dallas his gig. Dallas is quite annoying to listen to not to mention the look he brings to the park is not good, nor professional. As can do better. RIP Ray. You were great.
Strange coincidence but when Pete Rose served his time in prison for tax evasion it was in Marion, Illinois, Ray Fosse’s hometown. RIP Ray Fosse
The man whose career Pete Rose destroyed in the 1970
All Star game (Maybe he had a wager on the game-an exhibition game)!
They need to just put him in Cooperstown with the greats. He earned it.
Casey Fossum
He was a fixture on my childhood Cleveland team. I was watching the 1970 All Star Game and didn’t realize at the time how badly he was hurt. I’m glad he was able to get a couple World Series rings and a long announcer’s gig with the A’s. Once I bought the MLB package I’d purposely listen to the feed he was on. I enjoyed when he’d be interviewed on Cleveland radio when they played tge A’s.
I had come to respect and really like him as a broadcaster over the 20 or so years I have the MLB tv package. Not an A’s fan but I always liked his work. My condolences A’s fans.
I wish Pete Rose had run into Thurman Munson or John Stearns. The sight of the Captain or the Dude leaning over to ask, “Are you ok Pete?” would be priceless.
Did Rose ruin Fosse’s career.? That’s up for debate.. But Ray had a good career. Two World Series championships, two All Star Game nominations, two gold gloves and two no-hitters caught (Dennis Eckersley’s on May 31, 1977 and the combined no-hitter on the last day of the 1975 season, both against the Angels).He also homered in the 1974 ALCS (off Grant Jackson of the Orioles) and 1974 World Series in Game #5 off Don Sutton of the Dodgers.
Great announcer. I always enjoy the west coast feed when the east coast teams are out there. A part of one of the most watched highlights ever. RIP Ray.
My condolences to all the A’s fans on mlb trade rumors. Losing a hometown announcer really sucks. fosse had been around a long time. Your Giants fans brothers wish you guys the best
I’m reminded that when Pete Rose’s 44 game hitting streak was ended by the Braves, he whined to the press, I’m paraphrasing here, that the Brave’s pitchers were pitching him like it was a World Series or something. This from the same guy that years earlier knocked Fosse for loop causing him lifetime issues in an inconsequential all-star game. RIP Ray Fosse.
Excellent point.
Than maybe Munson plane don’t crash alternative timeline. Spooky
I wonder if Rose will comment on his death. I’m glad he was able to play a few more years. R.I.P. Ray.
RIP, Ray Fosse. May his memory be a blessing.
I’m in the Midwest – The primary reason I subscribe to MLB Extra Innings is to listen to Glen and Ray – the best combo in the game. I enjoyed watchIng Ray as a player and even more as a broadcaster – he made you feel like he was in the room with you watching and enjoying the game. RIP Ray Fosse! (Memo to A’s: please don’t hire Dallas…very annoying, the true opposite of Ray and doesn’t fit with Glen).
Goodnight sweet prince, see you in Cooperstown.
How many of you remember Ray’s nickname with the Indians? It was Mule. A testament to his strength and durability. We’ll always wonder what could have been.
Munson certainly was great,but Fosse was on a pace to have an even better year than Thurman that year. Mule had 16 homers by the all-star game,but Rose put an end to what would have been just as good if not better career than Munson with the collision. He still went on to hit 2 more homers and bat 300 for the year but he never was the same again.
Great player. As a New Yorker, I never heard gim call a game. But I enjoyed reading the tributes from Bay Area fans. The Radio broadcast of baseball game is an underappreciated artform and I am grateful for sites like this one that permit fans to express their gratitude. RIP Mr Fosse. Loved your strat card