Baltimore Orioles: Ranking the 5 best catchers of all-time
1. Rick Dempsey (1976-1986)
Not only the best catcher in Baltimore Orioles history, but also one of the most extraordinary players in franchise history. Dempsey was the clear leader and authoritative figure in the Orioles’ clubhouse who provided an emotional boost both on and off the field.
Dempsey, who is now a member of MASN’s broadcast team, most notably an analyst on O’s Xtra, played 12 seasons with the Orioles after starting his career with the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees.
In 1976, the 26-year-old Dempsey was traded by the Yankees to the Orioles which marked the beginning of an impressive Orioles career. Dempsey played the role of backup catcher his first season with the birds as the Orioles preferred Dave Duncan as their primary catcher. In just a combined 150 games played in his first two seasons in Baltimore, Dempsey played a career-high 136 games during the 1978 season and had the honor of catching one of the greatest Orioles’ pitchers, Jim Palmer.
The longtime Orioles’ backstop led the American League with 81 assists in 1979, 14 double plays turned a catcher in 1978. Dempsey also led the American League in caught stealing percentage in back-to-back seasons with 53.4 percent in 1976 and 57.7 percent in 1977.
After falling just short of a World Series title in 1979 when the Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates played in an epic seven-game series, Dempsey and the O’s returned to the World Series in 1983. This time the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in fives games with Dempsey named World Series MVP. Dempsey earned the award by hitting a home run with 2 RBIs and a .385 batting average.
At the end of the day, Dempsey will be remembered for his leadership and defense behind the plate along with two World Series appearances including World Series championship in 1983.
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Dempsey was also remembered for his off-field antics, most notably as the king of rain delays.