Former major league star brings story of redemption to Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Bernie Carbo will lead a free hitting clinic at Butts Park

Photos courtesy of BernieCarbo.com – Bernie Carbo is best remembered for hitting a game-tying pinch hit home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.

MEDINA – Bernie Carbo remains a legend to Boston Red Sox fans nearly four decades after hitting a dramatic home run to tie Game 6 of World Series.

He crushed a pinch-hit home run to tie the game against the Cincinnati Reds in 1975. Carlton Fisk would win the game for the Red Sox with a home run a few innings later.

Carbo was 28 when he hit that famous three-run home run. He also was a drug addict.

Twenty years ago he said he turned his life around, finally giving up drugs when he became a Christian. Carbo will share his Christian testimony, and also offer some hitting tips during a visit in Medina tomorrow.

“I’m hoping to reach the kids, teach some basic fundamentals of hitting and invite some into church,” Carbo said by phone today.

He will run a free hitting clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. at Butts Park on South Main Street. He will then speak at Grace Baptist Church at 7 p.m. The church is located at 120 Park Ave.

He also will be signing his book, Saving Bernie Carbo. The book will be for sale for $20.

Bernie Carbo leads hitting clinics and shares a Christian message as part of his ministry.

Dickson Beam is pastor of Grace Baptist. He also grew up in New England and remains “a diehard Red Sox fan.” He said Carbo brings a powerful message about overcoming addictions through the power of Jesus Christ.

“My journey has been a rough one,” Carbo said. “But I want to share hope, that in whatever circumstances life can change.”

Carbo played in the Major Leagues for 12 years and was Rookie of the Year in 1970 for the Cincinnati Reds. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates.

He runs Diamond Club Ministry, traveling the country to speak at churches, prisons, youth detention facilities and camps.

“We’re just spreading the news and sharing the love of Jesus,” he said.