MLB: The Mount Rushmore of Expansion Era Catchers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - CIRCA 1976: Catcher Johnny Bench #5 of the Cincinnati Reds bats against the San Francisco Giants during a Major League Baseball game in circa 1976 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. Bench Played for the Reds from 1967-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /

Gary Carter

Gary Carter is one of those faces that were luckily carved into the mountain. The Hall of Famer had a great career and appeared in eleven All-Star games. He was both dominant offensively and behind the plate. He won five Silver Sluggers and three Gold Gloves. Carter was one of the best MLB backstops of his generation.

The two-time All-Star MVP, who won a championship with the New York Mets in 1986, was more than just a player; he was a true leader. He was what a catcher was supposed to be. He was the spirit of his team. He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1989.

Carter finished his 19-season career with 2,092 hits, 324 home runs, and drove in 1,225. He is known as one of the best power hitting catchers. He had four seasons with at least 100 RBI’s.

Carter spent 12 seasons with the Montreal Expos from 1974-1984, and again in 1992. He was traded to the Mets prior to the 1985 season and spent five seasons in Flushing. He spent 1990 with the San Francisco Giants and 1991 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has played the fourth most games defensively of any MLB catchers, playing in 2,056 games.

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