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Dodgers: Who is the best catcher in franchise history?

ByJeffrey Bellone|
BROOKLYN, NY - 1953: Brooklyn Dodgers catchers Roy Campanella, left, and Rube Walker (1926 - 1992), compare mitts before a game in 1953 at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - 1953: Brooklyn Dodgers catchers Roy Campanella, left, and Rube Walker (1926 - 1992), compare mitts before a game in 1953 at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo Reproduction by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Russell Martin #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates as he the bases after hitting a two run home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

5) Russell Martin

Russell Martin‘s tenure with the Dodgers wasn’t long, only six seasons, but his work behind the plate earns him the fifth spot on this list. When you think of modern Dodger catchers, Martin’s name rises to the top in considering who has been the best over the past few decades.

The Canadian catcher batted .268 with an impressive .362 on-base-percentage while playing for the Dodgers. He appeared in two All-Star games and won both the Silver Slugger Award and Gold Glove Award in 2007, proving his value from both sides of the plate.

During that 2007 campaign, Martin clubbed 19 home runs and drove in 87 baserunners, while batting .293/.374/.469. He led catchers in games played, putouts, assists, runners caught stealing, and range factor per nine innings on his way to his Gold Glove honor.

Martin’s 23.1 wins above replacement level with the Dodgers ranks fourth highest among Dodger backstops. In 750 games, he produced value on par with long-time catchers, such as Johnny Roseboro and Mike Scioscia.

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