Carmen Fanzone

Carmen Ronald Fanzone

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 200 lb.
• School Central Michigan University, Ferris State College
• High School Cass Technical High School
• Debut July 21, 1970
• Final Game October 2, 1974
• Born August 30, 1941 in Detroit, MI USA

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Biographical Information

Carmen Fanzone played five seasons in the major leagues, with a peak in 1973 when he posted numbers of .273/.357/.440 for the Chicago Cubs. He was Player of the Year in 1968 in the Eastern League when he hit .270 with 17 home runs and 75 RBI for the Pittsfield Red Sox. He was an all-star in the International League in 1970 and had a great season for the Tacoma Cubs of the Pacific Coast League in 1971, hitting .327 with 28 homers and 106 RBI. Originally signed by the Boston Red Sox, he made his Major League debut with the Sox in 1970, then was traded to the Cubs for Phil Gagliano after the season.

The stocky, fun-loving Fanzone was the typical borderline "blue-collar" ballplayer who, for parts of five seasons, strove to maintain his fragile hold on living the dream of playing Major League Baseball. In any event, what big leaguer in the history of baseball could have had a catchier name, other than possibly Gino Cimoli, Ferris Fain or Vito Valentinetti?

Fanzone was a capable reserve for the Chicago Cubs in the 1970s. He could play all four infield positions (though he played only one game at shortstop). He also was a very good trumpet player and played the National Anthem before at least one game at Wrigley Field.

He attended high school at Cass Tech in Detroit, MI and was a star at Ferris State College (where he hit .400) before going on to Central Michigan University to pursue a music degree.

He became a jazz musician after his baseball days and more recently has been a business representative for Professional Musicians Local 47 in Hollywood, CA. His wife, Sue Raney, is a very accomplished and successful jazz vocalist.

Notable Achievements

• 1968 Player of the Year Eastern League Pittsfield Red Sox

Related Sites

• Carmen Fanzone at the SABR Bio Project
• Biography from Ferris State University