The Best American League Catchers of the 1970's

The position of catcher in baseball is a thankless job, with few fans truly realizing the impact that they have in every inning of every game. We baseball fans as a collective group tend to be enamored with the offensive statistics of players, while failing to recognize that a catcher that bats for a .270 batting average has had a tremendous season given the physical abuse the position inflicts upon them. The best American League catchers of the 1970's all had the ability to call a great game for their pitchers, were excellent defensively and in most instances were also outstanding at the plate.

Here's a short look at the best American League catchers of the 1970's:

Thurman Munson - This New York Yankee great was among the best of all-time, although the Hall of Fame has not come calling as of yet. Munson was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1976, was s seven time all-star, won three Gold Gloves and batted for a ,300 batting average or better five times. Tragically, Thurman Munson died in a plane crash in 1979 but his legacey lives on in the hearts or true baseball fans everywhere.

Carlton Fisk - Fisk was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1972 and a six time all-star that wound up in the Hall of Fame. Fisk batted for a .300 batting average or better three times, had four seasons of at least 20 home runs and won one Gold Glove.

Ray Fosse - An outstanding catcher with his career on the rise while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Fosse was never quite the same player after being steam-rolled by Pete Rose in the 1971 all-star game. Fosse twice batted for a .300 batting average, twice was named an all-star and won two Gold Gloves.

Bill Freehan - Bill Freehan was a large catcher at 6 feet 3 inches that was very good at every aspect of the game, batting for a good average with a fair amount of power. Behind the plate he handled pitchers very well and exhibited an excellent throwing arm.

Darrell Porter - One on the more underrated American League catchers of the 1970's Porter was a three time all-star while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Kansas City Royals. Darrell Porter hit for good average and with power, displaying an excellent batting eye at the plate.

Other American League catchers deserving of inclusion in the discussion of the best: Butch Wynegar and Jim Sundberg.