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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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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 30: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays crosses home plate behind catcher David Ross #3 of the Boston Red Sox to score off of a double by James Loney during the second inning of a game on August 30, 2014 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 30: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays crosses home plate behind catcher David Ross #3 of the Boston Red Sox to score off of a double by James Loney during the second inning of a game on August 30, 2014 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Red Sox bench Salty and win WS

There have been certain players that Red Sox management seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for getting via trade or free agency. Switch-hitting Jarrod Saltalamacchia was one. Salty was not impressive defensively, and his backup in 2013 may have saved the World Series.

Right-hand hitting David Ross had two tours with the Red Sox, but the second (2013-2014) was the most important. Ross was considered lefty Jon Lester’s personal catcher.

In the 2013 season, Ross lost two months over injuries, but in the WS became instrumental when Salty was benched in favor of Ross. Ross caught four series games, including the clinching game, and won another game with a critical hit.

In his three years with the Red Sox, Ross hit just .192, but his defensive skills were exceptional. Then came Ross’s leadership abilities that eventually resulted in being named manager of the Chicago Cubs. Ross can best be described as rock steady.

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