Throwing out would-be base stealers is one of a catcher's most important jobs. In a previous blog post I ranked the 21 best catchers in MLB history, based on games caught, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics. Below is how those 21 catchers rank according to their career "caught stealing" percentage. A quick release, strong arm, and the ability to make accurate throws are important for a catcher. Of course, having pitchers who can keep baserunners close helps. The era in which a catcher played can also be a factor, since base stealing was not as prominent in the 1940's as it was it the 1970's.
Career caught stealing
percentage:
1)
57% - Roy Campanella
2)
56% - Gabby Hartnett
3)
49% - Yogi Berra
4)
47% - Bill Dickey, Ernie Lombardi
5)
46% - Ivan Rodriguez
6)
44% - Thurman Munson, Elston Howard, Ray Schalk
7)
43% - Johnny Bench
8)
41% - Jim Sundberg
9)
40% - Bob Boone, Rick Dempsey
10) 39% - Mickey Cochrane,
Lance Parrish
11) 35% - Gary Carter, Brad
Ausmus
12) 34% - Carlton Fisk, Ted
Simmons
13) 28% - Jorge Posada
