Ten Best Catchers Not In Cooperstown

Catchers have historically been underrated both by the common fan and the Hall of Fame. Due to the physical and mental demands of catching a nine-inning game nearly every day, catchers tend to hit less than other fielders, making it harder for people to realize their true value. As it stands, there are only 18 catchers in Cooperstown, fewer than any other position except third base. However, due to the importance of a good catcher and the numerous demands of the position, more catchers should be considered by the Hall of Fame. 

Honorable mentions: Deacon McGuire, Elston Howard, Tim McCarver, Bob Boone, Tony Pena 

10. Jack Clements (1884-1900)

The greatest lefthanded catcher of all time, Jack Clements had a career batting average of .287 in an era when many backstops hit under .200. A strong defender behind the plate, Clements was also a convincing power hitter who clubbed 77 home runs in his career (at the time eleventh on the all-time list) and topped the NL in home run percentage in 1893 and 1895. 

9. Johnny Kling (1900-1913)

Also a renowned billiards player in his day, Johnny Kling was a key player on the Cubs' pennant winners of 1906-08 and 1910. The premier defensive catcher of his time, Kling dominated NL catching leaderboards throughout his career and had a lifetime caught stealing percentage of .485. He also batted .272 over his career and set a record in 1902 with a hit in 12 straight plate appearances. 

8. Gene Tenace (1969-1983)

Despite a low .241 batting average and only 1,060 hits, Tenace was nonetheless a strong contributor with the bat, slapping 201 home runs and drawing 984 walks for a career OPS of .817. A four-time World Champion, he earned the World Series MVP Award in 1972 with four homers and nine RBI's. 

7. Wally Schang (1913-1931)

A long-tenured catcher whose career spanned the dead-ball and live-ball eras, Schang batted .284 across 19 seasons with a .393 OBP and 121 stolen bases. A solid defender known for his strong arm, Schang led his teams to six World Series, winning three of them. 

6. Jason Kendall (1996-2010)

A five-time .300 hitter despite playing in the steroid era, Jason Kendall ranks third among all catchers with 2,195 hits and first with 189 steals (since the modern stolen base rule was implemented in 1898). Although not a premier defender, Kendall led his league in games caught eight times, double plays six times, and assists and caught stealing five times apiece. 

5. Thurman Munson (1969-1979)

Rifle-armed Thurman Munson was one of the most exciting players of the 1970's, earning a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP, three Gold Gloves, and seven all-star selections during the decade. A .292 career hitter, he batted over .300 five times and knocked in 100 or more runs in three consecutive seasons. Sadly, he passed away partway through the 1979 season in a private plane crash. 

4. Jorge Posada (1995-2011)

The anchor of the last true Yankee dynasty, Posada was also an outstanding hitter, belting 275 homers and winning five Silver Slugger awards. He hit a career-high 30 homers with 101 RBI's in 2003 and batted .338 in 2007 at age 36. Posada only misses out on a higher rating due to so-so defense. 

3. Sherm Lollar (1946-1963)

Despite being largely forgotten today, Sherm Lollar was an elite defender in the 1950's and early 1960's, throwing out an impressive 46.8% of stolen base attempts. A five-time fielding champion and three-time leader in double plays, he won the Gold Glove award in its first three years of existence. No slouch with the bat, Lollar hit 155 home runs and had a career OBP of .357. 

2. Bill Freehan (1961-1976)

Famously described as "the thinking man's catcher" by Sports Magazine, Freehan was an eleven-time all-star and five-time Gold Glove winner. The holder of numerous fielding records, he was also a strong hitter who smacked an even 200 home runs, including 25 in 1968. Freehan finished third in the AL MVP voting in 1967 and second in 1968 behind teammate Denny McLain, whom he helped become the last man ever to win 30 games in a season. 

1. Lance Parrish (1977-1995)

Lance Parrish did just about everything in his Big League career. He was a World Champion (1984), eight-time all-star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and six-time Silver Slugger. Parrish hit 324 career homers, fifth among catchers behind four Hall of Famers, and turned 133 double plays. His combination of offense and defense was truly remarkable, and he should be in the Hall of Fame today.