Monday, May 26, 2014

Back Up Catchers And No Hitters

I wonder how many back up catchers have caught no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. Back up Drew Butera caught his second no-hitter when he caugh Josh Beckett's no-hitter yesterday. I know Jeff Torborg specialized in catching no-hitters as did Jason Varitek. Torborg caught three no-hitters in his career. They were pitched by Hall Of Famers Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan and Bill Singer. Torborg pretty much spent his career as a backup and never had more than 255 at bats in a season, ironically his last season with the California Angels in 1973. He also had a career high 56 hits and 18 RBI's that season. He caught his last no-hitter pitched by Nolan Ryan on May 15th of that season. Varitek has caught a record four no-hitters, all from pitchers that are more than likely not going to end up in the Hall Of Fame. Hideo Nomo (2001), Derek Lowe (2002), Clay Buchholz (2007), and Jon Lester (2008). Varitek spent the majority of his career as a starter.

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