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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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Boston Red Sox C Doug Mirabelli and P Jonathan Papelbon shake hands after the Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. May 31, 2006. (Photo by Jay Gula/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox C Doug Mirabelli and P Jonathan Papelbon shake hands after the Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. May 31, 2006. (Photo by Jay Gula/Getty Images) /

Police escort hauls back Red Sox catcher

Right-hand hitting Doug Mirabelli had two tours with the Red Sox, resulting in a ring. Part of the dramatic 2004 team and later the 2007 team after returning via police escort to Fenway Park. Mirabelli’s claim to fame was his ability to catch knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Mirabelli played 12 seasons at the MLB level with four teams, essentially a career backup catcher. The 12 seasons produced 566 games and a .231 batting average. The occasional power was there with 58 career home runs, including 48 in his seven seasons with Boston.

Catching Wakefield should include hazard pay as Mirabelli twice led the AL in passed balls. But they were a regular tandem and started Game 1 of the 2004 World Series.

Mirabelli lost his backup role to future Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash in spring training of 2008 and retired. I wonder if he still owns Corvette’s?

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