Memories of René Rivera 2.0

[G-Fafif]

The veteran defensive specialist catcher is off to Cleveland. His second term as a Met was mostly about providing an alternative to hot-hitting Wilson Ramos for Noah Syndergaard down the stretch in 2019. Impact was minimal.

[Edgy MD]

Arguably the top player for the inaugural 2019 Syracuse Mets.



Sorry, Arismendy Alcantara.

[Chad ochoseis]

My favorite backup catcher of this millennium, so far. Everyone needs a favorite backup catcher, right?



Cool tattoos. Streaky hitter who would go on a tear every once in a while and I'd wonder why he wasn't an everyday player. Then he'd go 0-for-the-month. Seemed to know how to handle pitchers better than Ramos, though that's not a high bar.



Glad he's on his way here. If I see him out on West 25th after a game, I'll gladly buy him a beer. As long as he's not at Town Hall. That place sucks.

[Centerfield]

Chad ochoseis wrote: My favorite backup catcher of this millennium, so far. Everyone needs a favorite backup catcher, right? Cool tattoos. Streaky hitter who would go on a tear every once in a while and I'd wonder why he wasn't an everyday player. Then he'd go 0-for-the-month. Seemed to know how to handle pitchers better than Ramos, though that's not a high bar. Glad he's on his way here. If I see him out on West 25th after a game, I'll gladly buy him a beer. As long as he's not at Town Hall. That place sucks.

I was going to counter this with Ramon Castro, but I just looked it up and he was last decade. Crazy how time flies.



We need to name this Backup Catcher Award after someone. Let's take nominations.



Duffy Dyer is I guess the obvious choice. But Junior Ortiz was kinda badass. Ed Hearn wore glasses and was a World Champion. Charlie O'Brien had the Soul Glo curls to match Doc. Alberto Castillo had a GW hit on Opening Day.

[Gwreck]

Todd P. had the biggest hit as a backup catcher.



I also enjoyed Omir Santos' homer off Papelbon at Boston.

[Edgy MD]

Macky Sasser had big ol' jaw, a dangerous lefty stick, a disarming name, and a relatable challenge.



But I think Hobie Landrith, as a career backup and the team's first-ever player under contract, is most worthy of the honor. And seeing as he's still among the living at 91, it'd be pretty cool.

[G-Fafif]

Ron Hodges, on 42 Day, no less. Twelve years a scrub.

[Centerfield]

I mean, one thing we can do, is name it the Duffy Dyer Award, then award it to our favorite (note, not best) backup catcher for each decade.

[Centerfield]

Edgy MD wrote: Macky Sasser had big ol' jaw, a dangerous lefty stick, a disarming name, and a relatable challenge. But I think Hobie Landrith, as a career backup and the team's first-ever player under contract, is most worthy of the honor. And seeing as he's still among the living at 91, it'd be pretty cool.

Actually, I could get behind this. The Hobie Landrith Award. Goes to our favorite backup backstop of each decade.

[MFS62]

Landrith was in 23 games in 1962. And since he was the #1 draft pick - ever (in the expansion draft), he was supposed to be the starter.

Harry Chiti was in 15.

Joe Ginsberg was in 2.



You really want to immortalize someone by naming an award to honor the ultimate backup catcher?

I vote for Joe.



Later

[LWFS]

Edgy MD wrote: Macky Sasser had big ol' jaw, a dangerous lefty stick, a disarming name, and a relatable challenge.

Shortlisted for closest to my heart, all-time.



"The Hobies" has a definite ring to it.

[Fman99]

We enjoyed watching Rene mash the ball here in the 'Cuse. Good luck to ye