Oakland Athletics: All-Time 25-Man Roster

Catcher: Mickey Cochrane

Mickey Cochrane made his debut in April of 1925, after just one season of minor league ball. The rookie catcher likely had no idea that he would go on to become one of the best backstops in the history of Major League Baseball. He played until 1937, when he was hit in the head by a pitch which forced an end to his career.

The left-handed hitting Cochrane held the record for highest career batting average as a catcher until 2009, when Joe Mauer briefly surpassed him. In his 13-year career – nine of which were spent with the A’s – Cochrane hit 119 home runs and stole 64 bases. He also holds the record for best on-base percentage of all time for a catcher, at .419.

Cochrane won the American League MVP Award in 1928 and 1934, and was selected as an All-Star in 1934 and 1935. He was instrumental in helping the A’s to three World Championships, both at the plate and behind it.

In 1947, Cochrane became the first catcher elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America. If there was one A’s backstop who deserves to make the all-time roster, it’s Mickey Cochrane.

Next: A's All-Time Roster: First Base