Who are the 10 best defensive catchers?
The catching position is vital to the success of any ball club and often is the smartest player on the field. It’s no wonder that 12 of the 30 major league managers are former catchers.
While they are the No. 2 position in the scorecard, they’re more often number one in the field.
After reviewing plenty of qualified battery members for this list, it came down to the best in regards to the following criteria: position prowess, significance to his club and league-wide recognition.
It’s obvious teams want an athlete who can play the position, but they’ll covet one that can think it. A catcher’s proclivity in handling his pitching staff, understanding his responsibilities and reading every situation is paramount.
How a team utilizes and values this player can determine the course of a game, maybe a season. Some cherish their young catcher as a franchise player, while others are astute in protecting an aging veteran.
Of course the league takes notice as well. Throughout the majors, catchers are honored with praise and reward, often in the form of hardware. You will see some of the most underrated backstoppers as well as some of the more decorated at their position.
But before we get started, here’s a look at some who didn’t quite make the cut…