Pittsburgh Pirates Countdown: Top Five Catchers in History

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With a team as storied as the Pittsburgh Pirates, there have been quite a few excellent players to walk through the clubhouse. Beginning back in 1882 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys of the American Association, the Pirates migrated over to the National League in 1887, where they have been ever since.

Including those years as the Alleghenys and that time in the American Association, the Pirates are about to enter their 133rd season in franchise history. There have been quite a few highs, particularly in the 1970’s as the Pirates made the playoffs six times that decade, winning two World Series titles. There was the heartbreak of watching Sid Bream‘s slow run around the basepaths, sliding in safe to send the Braves to the Series. Then there were the low points of the early 1950’s and the decade of the 2000’s, as the Pittsburgh Pirates were an afterthought.

With the Pittsburgh Pirates in the midst of a resurgence, and with a bright future ahead of them, it is time to look back at some of the players that have made an impact on the Pirates throughout their history. As part of a weekly countdown, we will be taking a look back at the top Pirates players at each position, starting today with catcher. With those 133 years, there will be quite a few candidates to choose from around the diamond, so our list may not be the same as yours. However, that is the joy of lists and rankings such as these – the debate and discussion they generate.

So, here are my top five catchers in Pittsburgh Pirates history. If there is someone you feel should be on the list, let us know in the comments!

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