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MLB All-Star Game: All-time team

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Sporting News via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Sporting News via Getty Images /

Catcher

Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds has to be the starting catcher. Yes, Yogi Berra and Mike Piazza (among others) were outstanding players. But they pale in comparison to what Bench did. Bench was as complete of a baseball player as they come for catchers. A two-time NL MVP and a 10 time Gold Glove winner, Bench hit 389 career homers with a career OPS of .817. He leads all catchers in career WAR, being worth 74.8 wins above replacement during his career.

Gary Carter deserves some love because he was a much better catcher than most people think. But Bench is the pretty obvious choice for a starter.

For the backup? Carter is a really tempting option, but Ivan Rodriguez is everything that you want out of a backup. Rodriguez won 13 gold gloves a backstop during his illustrious career. With a career 106 OPS+, he was far from shabby at the plate as well. He was especially great during his prime, winning the 1999 AL MVP after hitting a career-high 35 home runs. Nobody ran on “Pudge” and for good reason as his arm might be the best we’ve ever seen from a catcher.

Next: First Base

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