He’s hung up the gear after 15 seasons through injuries, grinding and more. But has Brian McCann accumulated the credentials of an All-timer in the sport?
It took a lot for Brian McCann to make one more run for his home team in 2019. He took a lot less than he was worth, and in his age 35 season managed to get through 90 games for the Atlanta Braves, including being the catcher of choice for the post-season.
His mantel will overflow with numerous awards:
- All Star appearances in 6 straight years (and 7 of 9)
- Six Silver Slugger trophies
- 2 years in which he received some light MVP consideration
In total, he spent 10 seasons in Atlanta, 3 with the Yankees, and 2 in Houston. It was at this latter destination that he earned a World Series ring.
All of that accumulates to stats that are better than probably 90% of all who have played the game. But is that enough? Even as a catcher?
Players must be out of the game for 5 years before gaining entry onto a Hall of Fame ballot. That puts McCann’s window of eligibility between the years 2025 and 2034.
Let’s see how his pending candidacy stacks up.
The Incumbents
Let’s start by identifying the eighteen catchers already enshrined – those who will be the yardsticks by which future candidates are measured:
- Johnny Bench. The gold standard.
- Gary Carter.
- Ivan Rodriguez.
- Yogi Berra. He was the gold standard until Bench came along. Most RBI as a catcher.
- Mike Piazza. Best slugger of the group.
- Joe Torre. Not elected based on his player numbers, though could have been. Perhaps his defense let him down there?
- Bill Dickey
- Roger Bresnahan
- Roy Campanella
- Mickey Cochrane. Highest career batting average and on-base average.
- Buck Ewing. An amazing 354 stolen bases.
- Rick Ferrell
- Carlton Fisk. The most hits in this class.
- Josh Gibson
- Gabby Harnett
- Ernie Lombardi
- Biz Mackey
- Louis Santop
- Ray Schalk
That’s who’s already in… let’s see if McCann can hang with this group.