Last Updated: August 19th, 2026 by Jake Cain
I was watching some Little League baseball recently, and it reminded me of my days growing up and making my observations as a kid on my Little League team.
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While the shortstop was certainly the star of our team, it was the catcher that my mind would think that nobody else on the team could do what he did. This position is unlike any other position in sports. There is a part of it where you just keep the pace of the game steady by the way you catch and throw the ball back to the pitcher. There is a part to the game where you have to record an out, whether it's catching a strikeout or making an out while the ball is in play. Then there's that part where you have to play goalkeeper for any ball that's in the dirt with a runner on base.
These are things that, when combined, create a position that is so unique to baseball that we have to have a certain appreciation for the greats that have excelled in it. We attempted to make this list, and I'll tell you how hard it was.
How We Made This List
There are measurables, and then there are immeasurables. And I think the catcher position has the most immeasurable attributes that are valued at a high level. You will see names on this list that you may not remember were elite at the plate or even that good at creating outs behind the plate.
But the way they handled pitching and the way they led their teams have an effect on how we view them. Let's see if our list matches what you've got, and you can let us know.
24. Jason Kendall
There is a value to finding a way to play pretty much every day. Kendall was able to do so. He was not the biggest catcher nor the strongest, but he used that to his advantage. His speed was like few other catchers in history.
Then there's his durability. What seems to be forgotten about how good Jason Kendall was is that he led the league in games played by a catcher for eight years of his career. They weren't just high numbers for a catcher. Every one of those years tallied more than 140 games played.
| Jason Kendall — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2085 |
| AB | 7627 |
| H | 2195 |
| HR | 75 |
| RBI | 744 |
| SB | 189 |
| AVG | .288 |
| OBP | .366 |
| SLG | .378 |
| OPS | .744 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
23. Lance Parrish
It's safe to say Lance Parrish is so underrated for his illustrious career. He played for 19 years and received eight All-Star selections. He also won six Silver Sluggers and earned three Gold Gloves.
All of those accolades suggest that he has enough recognition to gain another look from the Veterans Committee for the Hall of Fame. I hope it happens because he deserves it, in my opinion.
| Lance Parrish — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1988 |
| AB | 7067 |
| H | 1782 |
| HR | 324 |
| RBI | 1070 |
| SB | 28 |
| AVG | .252 |
| OBP | .313 |
| SLG | .440 |
| OPS | .753 |
| All-Star selections | 8 |
| Gold Gloves | 3 |
| Silver Sluggers | 6 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
22. Gene Tenace
There is something to being steady behind the plate. Gene Tenace might be the most successful catcher of his era. He collected four World Series rings during his 15-year career. He earned them, too, by being named the 1972 World Series MVP. He was reliable every single day during the regular season and came up big when it mattered most in the postseason.
| Gene Tenace — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1555 |
| AB | 4390 |
| H | 1060 |
| HR | 201 |
| RBI | 674 |
| SB | 36 |
| AVG | .241 |
| OBP | .388 |
| SLG | .429 |
| OPS | .817 |
| All-Star selections | 1 |
| World Series titles | 4 |
21. Jorge Posada
For all the fans who know Derek Jeter as the captain of the Yankees during his career, I would say Jorge Posada was right behind him in leadership. I'm sure a lot of fans think Posada should be recognized with a plaque in Cooperstown, but I just don't know if they will get it. He certainly has a lot going for his case. A five-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, Posada was indispensable for those great Yankee teams.
| Jorge Posada — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1829 |
| AB | 6092 |
| H | 1664 |
| HR | 275 |
| RBI | 1065 |
| SB | 20 |
| AVG | .273 |
| OBP | .374 |
| SLG | .474 |
| OPS | .848 |
| All-Star selections | 5 |
| Silver Sluggers | 5 |
| World Series titles | 4 |
20. Elston Howard
Speaking of indispensable Yankee catchers, Elston Howard was the mainstay behind the plate for those Mickey Mantle Yankee teams. He is also a pioneer as the first African American to don a Yankee uniform.
Howard was so good that he was able to earn the 1963 MVP award with his 141 OPS+, which reflected an all-around game that was unmatched. Howard has his own case for being looked at by the Veterans Committee of the Hall of Fame.
| Elston Howard — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1625 |
| AB | 5443 |
| H | 1491 |
| HR | 168 |
| RBI | 775 |
| SB | 10 |
| AVG | .274 |
| OBP | .321 |
| SLG | .427 |
| OPS | .748 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 9 |
| Gold Gloves | 2 |
| World Series titles | 4 |
19. Ernie Lombardi (HOF)
Now we've made it to a Hall of Famer. Ernie Lombardi is one of the best pure-hitting catchers that baseball has ever seen. He won the batting title twice and has a career batting average of .306. His .342 batting average in 1938 also earned him an MVP award. Oh, and he led all of MLB in catching would-be base stealers that year with a rate of just under 60%.
| Ernie Lombardi — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1853 |
| AB | 5855 |
| H | 1792 |
| HR | 190 |
| RBI | 990 |
| SB | 8 |
| AVG | .306 |
| OBP | .358 |
| SLG | .460 |
| OPS | .818 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 7 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
18. Bill Freehan
We now go to another terrific Tigers catcher who just locked down the position throughout his 15-year career. He was a perennial All-Star, collecting 11 selections. He also earned five straight Gold Gloves while being in the top three in MVP voting in back-to-back seasons. I feel like he's an overlooked great catcher, but we are not overlooking him here.
| Bill Freehan — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1774 |
| AB | 6073 |
| H | 1591 |
| HR | 200 |
| RBI | 758 |
| SB | 24 |
| AVG | .262 |
| OBP | .340 |
| SLG | .412 |
| OPS | .752 |
| All-Star selections | 11 |
| Gold Gloves | 5 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
17. Buck Ewing (HOF)
We go back to the 19th century to highlight one of its great players. This was back in an era when it was very common to play multiple positions on the field. Ewing has been recorded as having played first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield, with catcher as his main position. Oh yeah, he pitched a little too.
The versatility of Ewing wasn't the only bright spot. The Hall of Famer has a .303 career batting average with 354 stolen bases in his 18-year career.
| Buck Ewing — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1315 |
| AB | 5363 |
| H | 1625 |
| HR | 71 |
| RBI | 883 |
| SB | 354 |
| AVG | .303 |
| OBP | .351 |
| SLG | .456 |
| OPS | .807 |
16. Yadi Molina
In the 21st century, longevity for a catcher has been rare. That is why Yadi Molina has garnered so much respect over the years. This is where respect and leadership, over time, have an even greater effect on a player's legacy than his numbers and accolades. Molina withstood the test of time during an era that saw many catchers struggle to stay at the position.
| Yadier Molina — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2226 |
| AB | 7817 |
| H | 2168 |
| HR | 176 |
| RBI | 1022 |
| SB | 71 |
| AVG | .277 |
| OBP | .327 |
| SLG | .399 |
| OPS | .726 |
| All-Star selections | 10 |
| Gold Gloves | 9 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
15. Buster Posey
While Yadi Molina was able to carry his excellence across multiple decades, he didn't see as big a peak as Buster Posey. Posey dominated the 2010s. It is not talked about enough how great his 2012 was. He had a .336 batting average with 24 home runs, 103 RBI, and a 171 OPS+. Combine that with the fact that he was a great catcher, and that's a guaranteed MVP season.
| Buster Posey — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1371 |
| AB | 4970 |
| H | 1500 |
| HR | 158 |
| RBI | 729 |
| SB | 23 |
| AVG | .302 |
| OBP | .372 |
| SLG | .460 |
| OPS | .832 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 7 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| Silver Sluggers | 5 |
| World Series titles | 3 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
14. Gabby Hartnett (HOF)
As the greatest catcher in Cubs history, Gabby Hartnett was just a consistent force year in and year out. He was selected to the All-Star team six straight years, and he would have had more if the honor had been created a decade earlier.
Either way, it didn't matter to Cooperstown, as he is enshrined as a Hall of Famer. His career caught stealing is over 100 more than his career stolen bases allowed. That's unfathomable.
| Gabby Hartnett — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1991 |
| AB | 6432 |
| H | 1912 |
| HR | 236 |
| RBI | 1179 |
| SB | 28 |
| AVG | .297 |
| OBP | .370 |
| SLG | .489 |
| OPS | .859 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
13. Thurman Munson
This is a career that never got to finish properly. Thurman Munson passed away before he had a chance to finish out his career. That career was a great one. He was a seven-time All-Star, leading the Yankees to two World Series championships.
He was also the MVP in 1976 when he hit .302 and drove in 105 RBIs. His numbers already make him a Yankee legend, and his legacy carries him to this list.
| Thurman Munson — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1423 |
| AB | 5344 |
| H | 1558 |
| HR | 113 |
| RBI | 701 |
| SB | 48 |
| AVG | .292 |
| OBP | .346 |
| SLG | .410 |
| OPS | .756 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 7 |
| Gold Gloves | 3 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
12. Ted Simmons (HOF)
Ted Simmons revolutionized this position due to the way he approached the plate offensively. He is a pioneer as a switch-hitting catcher and a great one at that. Simmons was an eight-time All-Star, having collected almost 2,500 hits in his 21-year career. That longevity led to a 50.4 career WAR, very high for a catcher and enough to be honored as a Hall of Famer.
| Ted Simmons — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2456 |
| AB | 8680 |
| H | 2472 |
| HR | 248 |
| RBI | 1389 |
| SB | 21 |
| AVG | .285 |
| OBP | .348 |
| SLG | .437 |
| OPS | .785 |
| All-Star selections | 8 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
11. Mickey Cochrane (HOF)
There aren't many better-hitting catchers than Mickey Cochrane. His 129 career OPS+ is among the best ever. That stat takes into account the era that he played in. It was an era that he dominated, and he won two MVP awards. He helped both the Athletics and the Tigers win World Series championships, which brought his total up to an elite three rings.
| Mickey Cochrane — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1482 |
| AB | 5169 |
| H | 1652 |
| HR | 119 |
| RBI | 832 |
| SB | 64 |
| AVG | .320 |
| OBP | .419 |
| SLG | .478 |
| OPS | .897 |
10. Bill Dickey (HOF)
There are so many great Yankees to talk about during the eras of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio. However, there is one Yankee catcher who connects all three of them. That catcher is Bill Dickey. He just delivered on a daily basis with a .313 career batting average and 127 career OPS+. His 56.2 career WAR could have been higher if it weren't for World War II interrupting his amazing 17-year career.
| Bill Dickey — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1789 |
| AB | 6300 |
| H | 1969 |
| HR | 202 |
| RBI | 1209 |
| SB | 36 |
| AVG | .313 |
| OBP | .382 |
| SLG | .486 |
| OPS | .868 |
| All-Star selections | 11 |
| World Series titles | 7 |
9. Joe Mauer (HOF)
Joe Mauer brought an excellence that was reminiscent of some of the old-school catchers on this list. His 2009 MVP season is the perfect illustration. He recorded almost 200 hits in under 140 games. His batting average was a lofty .365. His OPS was 1.031. He was honored with a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger that season as well.
| Joe Mauer — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1858 |
| AB | 6930 |
| H | 2123 |
| HR | 143 |
| RBI | 923 |
| SB | 52 |
| AVG | .306 |
| OBP | .388 |
| SLG | .439 |
| OPS | .827 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| Gold Gloves | 3 |
| Silver Sluggers | 5 |
8. Mike Piazza (HOF)
Mike Piazza was my favorite player of his generation. There is no doubt that he brought power to the position consistently for an unmatched length of time. The Hall of Famer hit more home runs as a catcher than any other before, and that will be a tough mark to beat at 399. If you count his non-catcher home runs, his career total runs up to 427, which further cements his place among the greats in Cooperstown.
| Mike Piazza — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1912 |
| AB | 6911 |
| H | 2127 |
| HR | 427 |
| RBI | 1335 |
| SB | 17 |
| AVG | .308 |
| OBP | .377 |
| SLG | .545 |
| OPS | .922 |
| All-Star selections | 12 |
| Silver Sluggers | 10 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
Career Achievements:
7. Roy Campanella (HOF)
Campy's career may have been cut short, but it was so good that it had to be recognized in Cooperstown anyway. Roy Campanella won three MVP awards and hit 242 home runs in just 10 years.
For a catcher at that time, that was unheard of. A rough car accident forced him to retire in 1957. One can only imagine the heights he could have reached had he been able to keep playing.
| Roy Campanella — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 1466 |
| AB | 5054 |
| H | 1428 |
| HR | 260 |
| RBI | 1015 |
| SB | 39 |
| AVG | .283 |
| OBP | .363 |
| SLG | .496 |
| OPS | .859 |
| MVP | 3 |
| All-Star selections | 8 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
6. Carlton Fisk (HOF)
I know everybody remembers Carlton Fisk for that one moment in the 1975 World Series. I just have to remind you all that his career spanned 24 years. That is incredible longevity for this grueling position. Fisk was able to rack up a bunch of impressive career numbers as he is also on the list for most career home runs at the catcher position. We may remember him for his one great moment, but the Hall of Famer certainly has a long, impressive resume.
| Carlton Fisk — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2499 |
| AB | 8756 |
| H | 2356 |
| HR | 376 |
| RBI | 1330 |
| SB | 128 |
| AVG | .269 |
| OBP | .341 |
| SLG | .457 |
| OPS | .798 |
| All-Star selections | 11 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| Silver Sluggers | 3 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
5. Josh Gibson (HOF)
It is too bad that Josh Gibson retired from playing baseball before Jackie Robinson debuted. He handled the bat in the Negro Leagues better than anyone. His .372 batting average is the highest in history. His 213 career OPS+ is equally ridiculous. It doesn't matter what league he was in at that time. Josh Gibson was overwhelmingly the best player on the field.
| Josh Gibson — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 647 |
| AB | 2272 |
| H | 843 |
| HR | 176 |
| RBI | 758 |
| SB | 43 |
| AVG | .371 |
| OBP | .457 |
| SLG | .719 |
| OPS | 1.176 |
4. Gary Carter (HOF)
There are so many things that Gary Carter did on the field that proved that he is one of the greatest catchers the game has ever seen. He was never voted to be a league MVP, but he should have. The 11-time All-Star earned three Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers across his 19-year Hall of Fame career.
The great city of New York will always remember him for leading the 1986 New York Mets to a World Series championship. His smile gives this position a great face, as he is one of its greatest ever.
| Gary Carter — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2296 |
| AB | 7971 |
| H | 2092 |
| HR | 324 |
| RBI | 1225 |
| SB | 39 |
| AVG | .262 |
| OBP | .335 |
| SLG | .439 |
| OPS | .774 |
| All-Star selections | 11 |
| Gold Gloves | 3 |
| Silver Sluggers | 5 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
3. Iván Rodríguez (HOF)
Pudge Rodriguez is a great role model for future generations. He had everything that you would want in a catcher. His ability to call pitches was elite. His ability to frame pitches and fool umpires was elite. His ability to catch base runners stealing was elite. His hitting as a catcher was elite. Coming from Puerto Rico, he is a huge inspiration for a country full of baseball talent.
| Ivan Rodriguez — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2543 |
| AB | 9592 |
| H | 2844 |
| HR | 311 |
| RBI | 1332 |
| SB | 127 |
| AVG | .296 |
| OBP | .334 |
| SLG | .464 |
| OPS | .798 |
| MVP | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 14 |
| Gold Gloves | 13 |
| Silver Sluggers | 7 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
2. Yogi Berra (HOF)
His personality is larger than the game. The sayings that fans still say today carry his legacy well beyond his career. However, that career is nothing to forget about. In fact, it is one of the best. He was the Hall of Fame catcher for the Yankees in 10 of their World Series championships. He attained 15 All-Star selections and three MVP awards. There may be no other catcher to ever reach those accomplishments again.
| Yogi Berra — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2120 |
| AB | 7555 |
| H | 2150 |
| HR | 358 |
| RBI | 1430 |
| SB | 30 |
| AVG | .285 |
| OBP | .348 |
| SLG | .482 |
| OPS | .830 |
| MVP | 3 |
| All-Star selections | 15 |
| World Series titles | 10 |
1. Johnny Bench (HOF)
We have reached the pinnacle of the list. I know that many of you have your arguments about who should be at the top, but I think enough of you will agree that Johnny Bench is the perfect candidate to represent all of the great catchers in MLB history. He redefined what catchers could do with his lineup-anchoring hitting combined with innovative catching behind the plate and elite arm strength. Johnny Bench changed the way the position could be played forever. That is why he takes the top spot on our list.
| Johnny Bench — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| G | 2158 |
| AB | 7658 |
| H | 2048 |
| HR | 389 |
| RBI | 1376 |
| SB | 68 |
| AVG | .267 |
| OBP | .342 |
| SLG | .476 |
| OPS | .818 |
| MVP | 2 |
| All-Star selections | 14 |
| Gold Gloves | 10 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
Why are so many catchers nicknamed Pudge?