THOMPSON — Bernie Carbo, one of the 1975 World Series heroes for the Boston Red Sox, will be speaking at Creation Church at 10 a.m. July 12.  

Carbo started his career with the Cincinnati Reds where he was the Reds’ number one draft pick in the inaugural 1965 draft, the 16th pick overall and ahead of Johnny Bench.  In his 1970 rookie season, Bernie posted career highs in batting average (.310), homeruns (21), and runs batted in (63).  He was selected Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.

His greatest moment in baseball, however, was hitting a three-run homerun in the bottom of the eighth inning in the sixth game of the 1975 World Series for the Boston Red Sox to tie the score at 6-6 against his former Cincinnati Reds, which paved the way for Carlton Fisk’s dramatic home run in the 12th inning to force a game seven.  Carbo’s homerun was one of the greatest homeruns in World Series history, and will forever remain in Red Sox folklore.  

On Nov. 10, 2004, Bernie was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.  In September of 2012, Bernie was named to the 100-Year All Fenway Park Team, which consists of the top 40 Red Sox players of all-time.  Bernie is also in both The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and The Ted Williams Museum under the Unsung Hero section.

Telling the greatest story ever told through the greatest game ever played is Carbo’s passion in life.  He and his wife, Tammy, founded The Diamond Club Ministry in 1993, a Christian organization whose sole purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ.  The Diamond Club teaches the proper fundamentals of baseball through drills, practice, and fun.  Carbo believes that playing the game with competence not only makes one a better player, but increases self-esteem and encourages relationship-building through team play.  The mission of The Diamond Club is to give youth and their families a simple message:  God loves you!

Creation Church is a non-denominational, Christian church located at 47 West Thompson Road.  For more information, go online at www.creationchurch.org or call Creation Church at (860)923-9979.