The Golden Age of MLB Hitting Catchers

(Note: This piece gets into speculation, anecdotes, and the personal opinions of the writer. While it aims to be entertaining and informative, it remains non-scientific.)

Which MLB Catcher is the Best Hitter?

Among the many questions that plague baseball fans and scholars alike, one stands out: Which MLB catcher is the best hitter? It's a straightforward question that requires a bit of research. But instead of delving into data and statistics, let's indulge in a bit of personal speculation and excitement. After all, the joy of baseball often lies in the personal anecdotes and stories that come with it.

Notable Hitting Catchers in History

First on the list of great hitting catchers are Edwin Encarnación, Mickey Mantle, and Bill Dickey. Encarnación had a strong batting average and combined with the power of other catchers, while Mantle was a legendary hitter and dynamic player on the field. However, Dickey, while a fine catcher, didn't add much to his bat in the hit department.

The Dwindling List of Hitting Catchers

When it comes to pitchers who excelled as hitters, Steve Carlton is often mentioned, but there's a slant towards catchers. For starters, the old Yankees roster is well-known, but not many hitting pitchers emerged from the team. Similarly, Yogi Berra's backup staff doesn't have a standout hitter, either. This leaves Roy Campanella, who was an outstanding hitter, and his teammate Don Newcombe, who was also a fine hitter. So, for the sake of the argument, let's go with Campanella and Newcombe.

Legendary Mystery Superman: The Brothers Ferrell

Now, climb that proverbial mountain and let's explore a mystery superman who potentially holds the title. The story goes back to the early 20th century, when the Ferrell brothers, Ray and Rick, were making history in the MLB. Their skills were nearly unparalleled, combining to create an incredible battery for the Boston Red Sox in 1935.

Wes and Rick Ferrell: Unparalleled Example

Wes Ferrell, the brother of the Hall of Famer, Rick Ferrell, had one of the most amazing seasons in 1935. During that season, he was 25-14 as a pitcher, leading the AL in wins, complete games, and innings pitched. His hitting prowess was no less impressive, as he hit .347 with 32 RBI and an OPS of 141. His brother, however, was also in the spotlight; he finished the year as the All-Star and led the league in MVP voting despite finishing second to Hank Greenberg in WAR (10.6 to 7.7).

Incredible Family Dynamics and Hall of Fame Controversies

The story becomes even more intriguing when we look at the career of Rick Ferrell. Despite having a brother who could hit in the major leagues, Rick finished his career with a mere 29.8 WAR, a .363 slugging percentage, and an OPS of 95. Wes Ferrell, on the other hand, accumulated a stunning 61.6 WAR, excelling as both pitcher and hitter. According to baseball metrics, Wes was better at hitting than his brother, with a.446 slugging percentage and an OPS of 100. This creates a fascinating and somewhat controversial situation: was the worst player in the family elected to the Hall of Fame, while the better hitter was overlooked?

Top Ten Hitting Catcher-Pitcher Batteries

Based on an unusual combination of performance and personal anecdotes, here's a list of the top ten hitting catcher-pitcher batteries, ranked by OPS:

MLB Top Hitting Catcher-Pitcher Batteries

1941 Boston Braves - Wes Ferrell (446) and Ray Beres (43) (489) 1919 Red Sox - Babe Ruth (217) and Wally Schang (133) (350) 1955 Dodgers - Don Newcombe (164) and Roy Campanella (152) (317) 1915 Red Sox - Babe Ruth (189) and Hick Cady (109) (298) 2021 Angels - Shohei Ohtani (159) and Max Stassi (111) (270) 1937 Red Sox - Wes Ferrell (145) and Rick Ferrell (105) (250) 1935 Red Sox - Wes Ferrell (152) and Rick Ferrell (102) (243) 1931 Indians - Wes Ferrell (153) and Luke Sewell (87) (234) 1916 Red Sox - Babe Ruth (122) and Bill Carrigan (113) (235) 1928 Indians - Wes Ferrell (153) and Luke Sewell (81) (234)

Note: The list is not scientific and is based on small sample sizes, with the top spot largely based on a single season. However, Wes Ferrell stands out as a Hall of Fame-caliber pitcher with multiple seasons of an impressive OPS.

While climbing the peaks of baseball's intrigue with these players, it's clear that their stories offer a unique glimpse into the rich history of MLB. Whether in the realm of hitting catchers or two-way players, the stories of these baseball legends continue to captivate fans and historians alike.