Who's the best catcher of all time?

Answer 1

well if you are looking defensively then it is defiantly Rodriguez but offensively then Johnny Bench

Answer 2

Among all those i've seen two really standout -- Johnny Bench and Ivan Rodriguez. Ivan has the better offensive stats. Johnny was the best at calling a game and handling pitchers.

As much as anyone i've ever seen Johnny seemed destined for greatness. Among those he impressed during his first taste of big league ball was Hall of Famer Ted Williams, who signed a baseball for him: "A Hall of Famer for sure!" Johnny was also a great clutch hitter... Rookie of the Year and two-time NL MVP winner.

From his Wikipedia page:
Although baseball history is filled with many outstanding catchers, such as Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Gabby Hartnett and Mickey Cochrane, arguably, no player revolutionized the position like Johnny Bench. The catcher's equipment was traditionally called "the tools of ignorance" as many catchers lacked the fielding skills to play elsewhere. But Bench inspired many young ballplayers to become catchers. His use of the hinged catcher's mitt, thought to be a gimmick when he first used it after returning to action following a stint on the disabled list because of a thumb injury on his right hand, became standard equipment soon afterward. The new mitt replaced the traditional rigid trapper-style mitt and allowed Bench to tuck his throwing arm safely to the side.

Answer 3

Those who saw him play and played against him judged Josh Gibson a very good defensive player and simply phenomenal as a hitter. He could also run a bit, too.

Of MLB players, Bench is arguably the best defensive player, had great offensive numbers, and won a lot.
Berra was very solid defensively and was a stud hitter. He also won more than anyone (although he obviously had help).
Rodriguez is the best all-around contemporary catcher. Remember that a catcher is a defensive player first--Mike Piazza is a DH who squats behind the plate.

Cochrane simply didn't have enough power to oust any of these guys--he had a good BA and that's about it.

Answer 4

The correct answer (at least offensively) is Josh Gibson. Most baseball historians agree, hell even ESPN who downplays anything that happened pre 1975 agrees. The problem is most people never hear of him. Josh Gibson played in the ***** Leagues, and while statistics are sketchy it is fairly well accepted that had he played against MLB competition he would have put up numbers similar to Jimmy Foxx. I assume he would have had a career SLG of about .650 (seeing as how he played the prime of his career in the 30s). In any case we live off of lore (90 HR seasons, hitting the ball outta Yankee Stadium). Defensively he was so-so at the start and developed throughout, far better than Piazza, but definantly no Pudge. Bench is the best combo of power and D, Pudge is up there too (as is Berra). But most reputably sources have Gibson ranked number 1.

Answer 5

Johnny Bench

Answer 6

1.mickey cochrane-1929-1936 .320 average
2.johnny bench-1970-1977 .327 average
3.yogi berra-1949-1957 .339 average
4.gabby hartnett-.297 average
5.mike piazza-1993-276 average
6. Ivan Rodriguez 1989-2007.280 in still is playing baseball

Answer 7

well this is my personal list of who i think are the best catchers
yogi berra- he caught don larsen's perfect game in the 56 world series against the dodgers.
thurman munson-not only a great backstop but a good hitter.
johnny bench-like thurman could hit and was one of the best
catchers.
ivan rodriguez- steady and great with young pitchers.

the angels manager can't remember how to spell mike's
last name but owns 2 world series rings as a player and one
as manager of the angels. knew how to get the best out of
a decent pitcher and made good one look great.

bob boone- ate up bad pitched like a hockey goalie eating
up the puck.

carlton fisk- hit for power and average and stopped just about everything thrown to him. excellent arm

these are just the ones i think are the best.
have fun

Answer 8

Pudge Rodriguez

Answer 9

Lawrence Berra.

Answer 10

Today : Joe Mauer

All Time : Ivan Rodriguez