February 2nd is National Catchers Day.
In 2019, Xan Barksdale created National Catchers Day. A minor league catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Xan went on to become a well-known catching coach and author of the best-selling book Catching-101. Xan’s aim in creating National Catchers Day was to celebrate baseball and softball catchers of the past and present.
Is Catcher the Hardest Position in Baseball?
In the very early years of baseball, catchers stood 20 feet or more behind the batter and wore no protective gear. Today, the defensive position of the catcher, crouched down between the umpire and the batter, has become the most important position in the game as catchers have more responsibilities than anyone else on the field. It is also the hardest position in baseball to play.
Well-Known Major League Baseball Catchers
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There are many baseball catchers who have made a name for themselves over the years due to their outstanding achievements in that position. In this article, we will mention just a few of those past and present whose names baseball fans recognize. Every fan will have their favorites, so don’t be surprised if I include MY favorites as we recognize and celebrate baseball catchers on National Catchers Day. :)
Jorge Posada
One of my most favorite catchers, who played 17 seasons with my favorite baseball team ~ the New York Yankees ~ is Jorge Posada. His MLB debut was in 1995 and he retired after the 2011 season. Posada established himself as a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as a solid-hitting catcher (one of the Core Four players) who contributed to the Yankees’ winning seasons.
Posada’s career stats included 275 home runs and 1,065 runs batted in. He played in 4 World Series as the Yankee’s catcher and his #20 has been retired by the NY Yankees.
"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."
Johnny Bench
Ranked #1 in most polls of MLB best catchers ever, Johnny Bench played his entire baseball career as the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983). At the time of his retirement, he held the MLB record for number of home runs hit by a catcher. Bench still holds the Red’s team record of 389 home runs and 1,376 runs batted in.
"You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you."
Mike Piazza
Piazza played 16 years as a catcher in major league baseball; his first seven years for the Dodgers (1992-1998). I remember him most during his six years (1998-2005) with the New York Mets, especially in the 2000 World Series against crosstown rivals, the NY Yankees. Mike became known as the greatest 'hitting' catcher in the history of baseball.
Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. His uniform number 31 was retired by the Mets in 2016.
"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."
Buster Posey
Gerald “Buster” Posey is another MLB catcher who spent his entire career with one team, playing twelve years with the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2021. Posey’s career saw him earn many awards, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger, beginning with being named the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year. His MLB stats included 158 home runs and 729 RBIs and he was a 3x World Series champion.
Buster retired in 2011 and today is President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.
“Ninety percent of the game is half mental."
Yadier Molena
“Yadi”, as fans chanted in many games during his career, was one of the most beloved of baseball catchers. Molena played his entire 19-year career for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Molina ranked first in many categories among catchers. He also holds the record, along with pitcher Adam Wainwright, for all-time most games started and won as a battery. He holds many awards and distinctions over his long career, including career stats of 2,168 hits, 176 home runs and 1,022 runs batted in.
Yadier Molina is the product of a baseball family, beginning with his father who played second base as an amateur and was the all-time hits leader in Puerto Rican baseball. Yadi’s two older brothers also had standout major league baseball careers as catchers, Bengie for 4 different teams and Jose for the Cubs and the Angels.
Molina retired in 2022 and today is the team's Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, as well as the manager of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League.
“I always thought the record would stand until it was broken."
Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra is a name everyone, fan and non-sports people, most know about, not just for his nearly 20 years as a professional baseball catcher, but also as a manager and a coach. His playing stats and managerial roles aside, what Yogi seems to be most remembered for is his zany use of the English Language. His ‘Yogisms’ have often been quoted and remain so to this day. You will find several of them sprinkled throughout this article.
"I really didn't say everything I said!"
Summary
There you have a few fan favorites of baseball catchers in honor of National Catchers Day celebrated each year on February 2.
Let me know which MLB catcher (or even Little League or softball league catchers in your family) are your favorites in the comments below and enjoy remembering them on this holiday.
"It ain't over till it's over."
Stories of some baseball catchers:
*National Catchers Day review written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews
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