E33v: Ranking The Best Catchers In MLB History

Rankings bring out the real baseball opinions, especially when the position is catcher, where greatness is part statistics and part survival. We put on the backwards cap, crack open Baseball Reference, and take on an impossible question: who are the best catchers of all time in Major League Baseball history? Jordan Dove joins me for our first ever rankings show as we each build a top 10 list, compare notes, and defend the choices. We dig into what matters at catcher beyond the box score: pitcher handling, leadership, durability, and the kind of defense that makes runners think twice. We also talk openly about the limits of modern metrics like WAR and JAWS, how they can favor offense, and why intangibles still belong in the conversation. Along the way we hit the hard historical question of Josh Gibson and why incomplete Negro Leagues records make all-time lists both necessary and imperfect. From Yadier Molina and Buster Posey to classics like Mickey Cochrane, Gabby Hartnett, Thurman Munson, Mike Piazza, Carlton Fisk, Roy Campanella, and Gary Carter, the arguments get sharper as we climb toward the top. Then we step into the heavyweight debate: Yogi Berra vs Johnny Bench vs Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, with rings, MVPs, Gold Gloves, and all-around impact all on the table. We also pay off the trivia question: the only catcher to catch two perfect games. Listen, then tell us what we missed, share the episode with a baseball friend, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re enjoying the show, leave a rating and review and help more fans find Fungos and Fastballs. Email us at [email protected]