20. Buck Ewing
Transcendental Graphics/Getty ImagesA trailblazer. Buck Ewing set the standard for the modern catcher in the late 19th century. What made Ewing stand out wasn’t just his impressive .303 career batting average or his 354 stolen bases — it was his revolutionary approach to playing catcher. Ewing was among the first to crouch directly behind the batter, significantly improving the efficiency of throwing out base runners — a tactic that has become a fundamental aspect of the position.
19. Biz Mackey
Aral/Getty ImagesDescribed by Hall of Famer Cool Papa Bell as the best catcher he ever saw, Mackey’s skills were recognized when a 1954 Pittsburgh Courier poll named him the greatest Negro League catcher, edging out Josh Gibson. His career, spanning from the early 1920s to the late 1940s across teams like the Hilldale Giants and Newark Eagles showcased his talent as both a player and manager. Mostly known for his line-drive hitting and a batting average that rarely dipped below .300, Mackey was a linchpin for his teams, earning spots on five East-West All-Star teams.
18. Ernie Lombardi
Diamond Images/Getty ImagesDespite “Schnozz” being notably slow-footed with just eight stolen bases over his 17-season career, his incredible at-bat skills and strong arm made him a force to be reckoned with. Whenever he stood up at the plate, fielders would go deep. Using an interlocking grip, Lombardi struck out a mere 262 times in his career, showcasing remarkable control at the plate. After a storied career and a final season in the Pacific Coast League, Lombardi was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
17. Yadier Molina
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY SportsIt’s a debate that has probably been going on for too long: will Yadier Molina be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown? What we can say for certain is he is perhaps one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game. With nine Gold Gloves, four Platinum Gloves, 10 All-Star appearances, and being instrumental in guiding the Cardinals to two World Series victories, it’s hard not to argue for his inclusion.
16. Ted Simmons
St. Louis Cardinals, LLC/Getty ImagesChoosing baseball over football after being drafted by the Cardinals in 1967, “Simba” (for his mane-like hair), quickly made his mark, showing promise early on with a .304 batting average, seven homers, and 77 RBIs in a season before he even turned 23. Simmons continued his good form after moving to the Brewers, playing a key role in their run to the World Series in 1982. His induction into the Hall of Fame in 2020 was a fitting tribute to his exceptional career.
15. Jorge Pasada
VJ Lovero-USA TODAY NETWORKJorge Posada was a cornerstone of the New York Yankees’ dominance from 1996 to 2011, winning five World Series titles during that time. His 2003 season was a standout as he finished third in the MVP voting, a rare feat for catchers, highlighted by hitting 30 home runs. Posada’s offensive output was unmatched among catchers from 2000 to 2011, leading in RBIs and home runs. Beyond the field, his legacy includes a deep connection to his heritage and family, with his efforts extending into philanthropy through the Jorge Posada Foundation, supporting children with craniosynostosis.
14. Thurman Munson
Focus On Sport/Getty ImagesMoving to another Yankees legend, Thurman Munson was considered a total leader – as evidenced by his nickname “The Captain”. Munson debuted in 1969 and quickly established himself as one of the premier catchers in baseball, becoming the first Yankee to win both the Rookie of the Year (1970) and the Most Valuable Player (1976) awards since Yogi Berra. A seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Munson had the best of both worlds: defensive skills and clutch hitting. This was especially shown in the postseason, where he hit over .300 in World Series play.
13. Joe Mauer
Rob Carr/Getty ImagesAlthough he didn’t play catcher his entire career, he is still perhaps considered the greatest catcher in Twins history, further reinforced by his recent vote into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot — becoming the third catcher to ever accomplish that feat. He was an incredible hitter and still holds MLB records for highest single-season batting average for a catcher (.365) and highest single-season on-base percentage as a catcher (.444).
12. Mickey Cochrane
Bettmann/Getty ImagesMickey Cochrane is considered a hero of his time. In the era of the Great Depression, he led the otherwise dismal Detroit Tigers to their first pennant in 25 years as a player-manager. His incredible talent was paired with his infectious off-field personality which many came to adore. It helped distract people during downtrodden economic times and inspired many to name their children Cochrane.
11. Gabby Hartnett
The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty Images“Gabby” rapidly ascended from his debut with the Worcester Boosters in 1921 to becoming one of the Chicago Cubs’ most celebrated catchers. His ability both behind the plate and with the bat became evident early on, despite a slow start and injuries. His career flourished with the Cubs, peaking with an MVP award in 1935 and leading the Cubs to multiple World Series appearances. Notably, his “Homer in the Gloamin'” in 1938 is a storied highlight, showcasing his clutch trait. Transitioning into a player-manager role in the late 1930s, Hartnett continued to influence the Cubs before closing his major league journey with the New York Giants.
10. Bill Dickey
George Rinhart/Getty ImagesBill Dickey, who started by playing humble sandlot ball as a pitcher, eventually evolved into one of the New York Yankees’ most revered catchers after signing with them in 1925. He made his major league debut in 1928 and boasted a remarkable .313 lifetime average. Beyond his batting, his consistency and durability were unparalleled, catching 100 or more games annually from 1929 to 1941 and leading American League catchers in fielding for six seasons. His deep understanding of batters and skill in handling all pitch types made him a formidable force behind the plate.
9. Buster Posey
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY SportsAfter opting out of the 2020 season, Posey returned to lead the San Francisco Giants 107-win season, only to step away again at 34, prioritizing family over baseball. His career, distinguished by a blend of offensive skill and defensive mastery, places him among the game’s catching elite. Offensively, Posey consistently outperformed league averages, with a career batting average and OPS that were significantly above average. Defensively, his talent for pitch framing stood out, significantly contributing to the Giants’ pitching success. Posey was integral to the Giants’ unconventional dynasty, contributing the most WAR of any team member from 2010 to 2016.
8. Carlton Fisk
Bettmann/Getty Images“Pudge” was undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever do it. He grew up dreaming of playing for the Boston Celtics, instead he became one of the most celebrated catchers in Major League Baseball history with a career spanning 24 years. Fisk’s journey from the sandlots of New Hampshire to the major leagues was fueled by a relentless work ethic and a competitive spirit that never waned. After making an immediate impact with the Boston Red Sox, Fisk’s career took him to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to excel both offensively and defensively. Known for his durability, Fisk caught 100 or more games in thirteen consecutive seasons and was a defensive stalwart, leading American League catchers in fielding for six seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
7. Gary Carter
Owen C. Shaw/Getty ImagesGary Carter was one of the greatest ever catchers – a fact that was not immediately recognized during his initial Hall of Fame ballot appearances. Despite early skepticism, reflected in fluctuating support from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, Carter’s eventual election to the Hall of Fame with 78 percent. While comparisons with legends like Yogi Berra invite debate over Carter’s relative greatness, his standing as a Hall of Famer is indisputable. Carter’s journey from underappreciation to acknowledged baseball royalty highlights not only his extraordinary skill set but also the evolving criteria by which catchers are evaluated.
6. Mike Piazza
Focus on Sport/Getty ImagesAlthough he was more known for hitting rather than defending, going from a 62nd-round draft pick to one of the most celebrated players in baseball history is an incredible feat in itself. His underdog journey began with the Dodgers in 1988, thanks to a recommendation from Lasorda himself. Transitioning from a first baseman to a catcher, Piazza faced initial challenges in the minors – but broke out soon after, smashing 52 home runs across two seasons. His MLB debut was incredible, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year in 1993 with standout stats including 35 home runs and a .318 batting average.
5. Ivan Rodriguez
SPX/Ron Vesely Photography via Getty ImagesA career marked by his incredible arm that would scare baserunners off stealing, RodrÃguez redefined the role of a catcher in the modern era. He began in the sandlots of Puerto Rico and made his way up to leading out for the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, and Detroit Tigers — ultimately culminating in his first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. With 13 Gold Gloves, 14 All-Star appearances, over 2,700 hits and securing a World Series title, Ivan Rodriguez is one of the best to ever do it.
4. Roy Campanella
The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty ImagesRoy Campanella’s remarkable baseball journey is a story of triumph, marked by his late start due to racial barriers and an early end due to a devastating car accident. Campanella, who began his professional career at just 15, shone in the Negro Leagues with the Baltimore Elite Giants before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. Making a swift ascent through the minor leagues, Campanella became the Dodgers’ regular catcher by midseason 1948, proving to be a formidable defender and hitter. Over 10 years, Campanella became a cornerstone for the Dodgers, earning three National League MVP awards and contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series victory.
3. Josh Gibson
Vince Compagnone/Getty ImagesFamous for hitting powerful home runs, some say he hit nearly 800 during his career, but exact numbers are unknown due to incomplete records. Respected by many, including Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil, Gibson’s batting skills were unparalleled. He led his league in homers 11 times and was celebrated for his incredible power at the plate. Tragically, Gibson died young at 35, just before Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier. Despite never playing in the Major Leagues, Gibson’s talent was undeniable, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 1972. His story is a reminder of the great players who played outside of MLB due to segregation.
2. Yogi Berra
Bernard Hoffman/Getty ImagesA legend of the game. He epitomized the heart and soul of the New York Yankees for 19 seasons. Serving in the military before embarking on his baseball career, Berra returned to make his incredible mark on the sport, not only with his remarkable versatility on the field, playing catcher, outfield, third, and first base, but also with his impressive statistics. A three-time MVP and 10-time World Series champ, Berra was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972 and was a 15-time All-Star.
1. Johnny Bench
George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesBaseball greatness, pure and simple. Not only was he an incredible hitter and defender, he was known for his ability to throw runners out with seemingly effortless precision. Although he transitioned to different positions throughout the years, he became the cornerstone for the Reds, contributing significantly to their two World Series championships, four National League pennants, and six NL West titles. His leadership extended beyond the field, as evidenced by his influence on teammates and his dramatic flair, particularly in clutch moments. He is, for us, the greatest to ever do it.
