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Red Sox History: A look at Boston’s notable backup catchers

By Rick McNair

July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHICAGO – JULY 13: Hall of Fame catcher (2003 inductee) Gary Carter talks to Hall of Fame catcher (2000) Carlton Fisk before the All Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game on July 13, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – JULY 13: Hall of Fame catcher (2003 inductee) Gary Carter talks to Hall of Fame catcher (2000) Carlton Fisk before the All Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game on July 13, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

A look at underappreciated Red Sox backup catchers

Catching is possibly the most difficult, dangerous, and draining position in baseball. The Red Sox are fortunate enough to have had remarkable talent as backstops and within that category is the classification of backup catcher. Underappreciated until needed.

A backup catcher either had a potent bat or was a noted defensive catcher. If the two combined, you would have a Carlton Fisk, Jason Varitek, or to date, myself, Sammy White. Determining the best is difficult, but some backup catchers did leave an impression, and I will leave that as my selection process.

Choosing a beginning point is an exercise in futility since I have no personal recollections dating back to the beginnings of Red Sox history. That said, I will begin with one player I never saw but whose remarkable career in baseball and outside baseball has been well noted. Then I can return to my starting point, the White previously noted.

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