Yadier Molina
| Birthdate | 7/13/1982 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 2004 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Cardinals |
| Position | Catcher |
Yadier Molina is considered the greatest defensive catcher of his era; many believe the 9-time All Star has already earned a plaque in Cooperstown.
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Yadier is the best defensive catcher from his era and among the best ever
Yadier is the best defensive catcher from his era and among the best ever
Yadier Molina is among the greatest defensive catchers in the history of baseball. Owner of nine Gold Glove and six Fielding Bible Awards, Molina ranks second all-time among catchers in Defensive Runs Saved. His Hall of Fame resume includes nine All Star appearances, ten post-season appearances, and two World Series titles.
Drafted by the Cardinals in 2000, Molina has played in their organization for his entire career. The average WAR for Cooperstown catchers is 53.6, a number Molina is unlikely to reach. Despite this, his WAR is already above some Hall of Fame receivers. Among those behind Molina are Ernie Lombardi, Roy Campanella, Ray Schalk, and Rick Ferrell.
Some say his body of work is Cooperstown-worthy.
The knock against Molina is his batting. He hit as many as 20 homers only twice – 22 in 2012, and 20 in 2018. Yadi has driven in 80 or more runs only twice and 70 or more just four times.
In the collection is the document Yadier Molina signed in 2011 to receive his ring. The catcher went 1-for-1 with a two-base hit in the contest. His NL squad bested the AL 5-1 behind a three-run shot by Prince Fielder, the game’s MVP.
SORRY. BEST DEFENSIVE CATCHER WAS ROY CAMPANELLA BEYOND A DOUBT. THREW OUT 58% ATTEMPTED BASE STEALERS. BEST IN
BASEBALL HISTORY. MOLINA IS AT 40%.
I’m a long time baseball and Cards fan. I hope he gets in someday but I’m not sure his numbers will make it. From what I have read IMO he’s definitely the greatest CARDINAL catcher hands down