Scoreboards

• Catchers in baseball are a forgotten and often-maligned group
• Similar to the punter in National Football League they are often thought of as lesser stock than the other players and yet, of course, they are always in demand
• All star catchers are some of the most famous players in history and, ironically, often end up being the team leader in spite of their second-class perception

The ridiculing of major league catchers began almost at the outset of the sport due to the major difference between them and all of the other players on the field: their equipment. In the late 19th century as the National League was formed and baseball was turning professional, catchers due to their position right behind the batter, were subjected to ever increasing velocity from the pitches and harder swings from the bats. This resulted in greater and greater injuries and in at least one case the death of the catcher. To protect themselves catchers began to first wear masks and then wear the body pad. It was this second piece of equipment that brought the most ridicule from the press.

Also early in the development of baseball, the catcher was often the position where the least athletic defender was hidden so as not to give the opposing team any advantage. This stigma stuck with the catcher even as the modern age of baseball brought ever increasing responsibility to the position. Baseball managers ultimately used the catcher, and his unique vantage point of being able to see the whole field of play, to the whole teams advantage. The catcher not only sends signals to the pitcher but also alerts him to the stealing of bases, runner positions and calls plays for the defense as a whole.

Some of the greatest catchers who have played were also some of the most talented all-around players in history. Among those who have worn the mask as major league catchers and were also named All Star catcher: Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, Roy Campanella, Carlton Fisk and Mickey Cochrane. Of the modern era only one stands out and he is among the greatest catchers if not the outright greatest: Mike Piazza. He was one of the better hitters in an era when hitting improved as a whole and he was able to maintain a .308 career batting average while homering 427 times over a 15 year career.

Piazza was not, however, the physical prototype for major leagues catchers. Most catchers are physically shorter than average and stocky to be able to deal with this position. There is no more demanding position on the body in baseball. The knees are in constant pain from countless ups and downs and all the years of squatting. the catcher is also the only player who can be legally charged by another player as he protects the plate. Major injuries from this are not unusual. This wear and tear has caused many coaches and fans to observe that the catcher’s most important trait may be their ability to play with pain over the entire career.

Catchers in baseball deserve more than just a little respect, they are the leaders, coaches and toughest lot out on the field. Even as all of the glory has gone and will continue to flow to the ace pitchers and spring-loaded shortstops, day-in and day-out, catchers are the lifeblood of the team.