Former catcher Ray Fosse, who spent 12 years behind the plate for four teams but was perhaps best-known as a player for a vicious collision with Pete Rose in the 1970 All-Star Game, has died at the age of 74.
Fosse had been battling cancer for the past 16 years before passing away on Wednesday, his wife Carol announced on his website, RayFosse.com.
After his playing days ended, Fosse began a second career in broadcasting, serving as an analyst for Oakland A's games on TV and radio from 1986 until he stepped down this past August to focus on his cancer treatment and spending time with his family.
Fosse was the seventh overall pick in the 1965 draft by the Cleveland Indians, and he made his MLB debut in 1967 at the age of 20. He played for eight seasons in Cleveland, making the American League All-Star team and winning Gold Glove honors in 1970 and 1971.
He had his best season in 1970, hitting .307 with 18 home runs in 120 games. However, 16 of those home runs came before the All-Star Game, when Rose barreled into him in the bottom of the 12th inning to score the winning run.
