R.I.P. Bill Freehan

The great Detroit Tigers catcher passed away at 79.

The enduring image of him in my mind is catching the last out of the 1968 World Series on a foul popup and then picking up pitcher Mickey Lolich (who was not slim) in celebration.

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SW-User

One of many very good catchers during a time of many. Bench, Fisk, Munson, Fosse, Carter etc. Seemed every team had at least an adequate catcher

OldSchool · 61-69, M

@SW-User Very good point. I would just like to add Ted Simmons, one of the best hitting catchers ever.

SW-User

@OldSchool Yes he was

eli1601 · 70-79, M

@SW-User And Jerry Grote of the Mets. Known mostly as a great defensive catcher, he turned into a decent hitter, as well.

OldSchool · 61-69, M

@eli1601 Grote was indeed a good catcher, an important part of the Mets team that won in 1969. Another that may not have been given enough credit.

OldSchool · 61-69, M

@eli1601 Another comment about Grote: He was likely a factor in the Mets pitchers being as good as they were, definitely important for a team built around pitching!

eli1601 · 70-79, M

@OldSchool Tom Seaver once said how lucky he was to have worked with great catchers like Grote, Bench, and Fisk.

OldSchool · 61-69, M

@eli1601 It seems I recall Seaver speaking highly of Grote in particular. He was on teams that had great catchers back in his day.