Cops: Hall of Fame Sox great Carlton Fisk arrested for DUI
BY BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@stmedianetwork.com October 23, 2012 4:48PM
Former White Sox catcher Carlton Fisk is shown in this New Lenox Police Department mug shot.
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Updated: October 24, 2012 12:44PM
NEW LENOX — Former White Sox Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk was arrested and charged with drunken driving Monday night after police found him behind the wheel of his pickup in a cornfield, authorities said.
Several passing motorists reported seeing a Ford pickup truck that had gone off the road and driven into a field at Gougar and Spencer roads about 7:20 p.m., Deputy Chief Robert Pawlisz said.
Fisk, 64, was at the wheel and unconscious when police found him and recognized him, Pawlisz said. There was an open bottle of vodka in the truck, he said.
There were no passengers, and Fisk was taken to Silver Cross Hospital by local paramedics for an examination.
After being discharged from the hospital, police arrested Fisk on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcohol and improper lane usage. After posting $300 bond at the police station, Fisk was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 29.
Records indicate Fisk lives in Bradenton, Fla., but has also owned residences in New Lenox and Lockport.
Fisk, who signed with the Sox shortly after Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn bought the team in 1981, is under contract with the Sox as a community ambassador. He makes appearances and greets fans at U.S. Cellular Field during the season.
Fisk retired from baseball in 1993 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. He starred for the Boston Red Sox from 1969 to 1980, and his arrest came one day after the 37th anniversary of his famous home run against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.
Scott Reifert, senior vice president of communications for the Sox, said the team hadn’t spoken with Fisk since the arrest and won’t issue a statement.
Contributing: Daryl Van Schouwen
