Great offensive catcher, but no where to hide him on defense.

Quite possibly the best hitting catcher to ever play, and one of the worst regular fielders at the position.

In his prime, a terrifying power hitter, and he can still jack one out.

However, to say that he has never been much of a defensive player, is being extremely generous, and as he ages his skills behind the plate have declined to the point that he's not a liability, he's a hazard.

worst fielding catcher ever guess he'll be a DH in the American League next year as he sure can't play first base

Too many idiots with opinions, that know nothing about baseball and obviously never played the cathers position or the sport! If they did, they'd know there's more to playing cather than throwing out runners! Calling a great game with your pitchers, blocking poor pitches and catching pitches (fielding %) has always been more important than throwing out the occasional runner.

The greatest hitting catcher of all-time. Excellent hitter with tremendous power and great ability to hit for average. Like Vlad Guerrero, he hits balls out of the strike zone over the fence. His defense is underrated and he calls a good game behind the plate. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed down an amazing career. I hope that he goes to the American League and DH's on a team that can get him a ring.

Worst fielding catcher in baseball.

he wye dont u give me a pizza piazza you stink

Piazza has definetly seen better days, not a very good catcher anymore,esp. because he can't hit for average in my opinion

He gets a lot more hype than he deserves.

The most interesting story is what a stroke of luck it was that he ever got the chance to start with the Dodgers. Lasorda tells the story that he was about to cut Piazza, a low draft number, and felt enormous pressure to vacate the roster spot, when the starting catcher (I think Scosia) got hurt, saving Piazza from getting cut. Lasorda loved Piazza but was ready to cut him until then. Next the back up got injured and Piazza, given his chance, exploded offensively, as did the Dodgers, and the rest is Rock 'N Roll, he never lost the starting position again. Why they allowed him to leave, I'll never know, but his place in the Hall of Fame is already being prepared.

The guy is a God in cleats. I have never scene a guy hit the ball harder consistently than him when he was in his prime. Yes he's in the twilight now but he still is a threat whenever he drags the lumber to the box. His career batting average, slugging percentages and homeruns are all tops among catchers. He calls a great game and is under rated behind the plate. Yes his throwing to second has been adventurous at times but the run production he produces from that position far exceed the few extra runs he may allow with a stolen base here or there. He's also a great guy off the field- a class act all around!

Hands down the greatest hitting catcher of all time. Underrated defensive catcher in all aspects except throwing out would be basestealers (in which he is abysmal). Nobody hits the ball harder. Amazing power to the opposite field. Career .319 average as a catcher speaks for itself. Didn't always have the greatest of protection behind him and still owns the all-time home run record for a catcher while playing home games in noted tough pitchers parks (Dodger and Shea Stadium). When he's at the plate you have to stop and watch.

Still the best hitting catcher in baseball. Wow, has he started smoking hot....

The best offensive catcher of all-time and a great player on an underachiever makes him a superstar. His numbers are unbelievable for any player, and is pretty consistent.

friggen met

Actually, Mike Piazza is a well above-average defensive catcher in every respect except for his ability to thow-out base-stealers. Stolen bases are a very over-rated statistic anyway. Piazza calls a great game, stops every pitch in the dirt and hustles his ass off on every play. PLUS, he holds the highest career batting average of any living righthanded batter, and will own every single offensive record for catchers by the time he retires. He's a lock for the Hall of Fame, and a good guy to boot.

BEST

He isn't all that good, that mustache makes him look really dumb too. But if all you morons like him, I guess I can't change you minds. Let just say if he would've done what Kendall did to his ankle, he wouldn't have been able to come back. Kendall may not be the power hitter that Piazza is, but I would take him over that queer anyday!

I have to give credit to Piazza. He is undoubtedly the best OFFENSIVE catcher in the history of baseball as a sport. No catcher previous to him or currently can match his offensive output. However, his defensive ability as a catcher is appalling. He throws out a single-digit amount of attempted base stealers and has an absolutely horendous arm. He is a one-dimensional player, but is damn good at that one dimension, hitting.

I have great respect for catchers who are good hitters. So why did I give Mike Piazza a 2? Maybe I should rephrase my statement---I have respect for catchers who can catch and hit. And Mike Pizza (if I spelled his name wrong, please forgive me) CAN'T CATCH! I gave him a two just because he can hit. He is your typical "d***yankee". It's him, not John Rocker, that people should be throwing beer bottles at. At least John can play his designated position!

Mike Piazza is the best thing that has happened to major league baseball. Football has always been "my sport" until I spotted Piazza. He is so sexy. Sorry guys but we women have a right to watch your sports even if it's just to look at the hot guys. Turnabout is fair play. Oh--he's a great player too....

He is the best. There is no player like him in the league. He is respectful (of course, not Roger Clemens) and he is strong enough to overcome many injuries behind the plate.

For his entire career, Piazza has pursued excellence. He has worked hard, and has become his own man. He plays for the love of excellence, and for his own integrity. He epitomizes sportsmanlike behavior, and is the kind of player we fans can call "hero."

Piazza Power!

Yeah, he may be an All-Star and you girls may be charmed by his looks, but get real. The man can't ever through anybody out a 2nd base! But on the other hand, super sexy Javy Lopez can!

Not only is he a phenominal hitter (and a better catcher than most people give him credit for), but he embodies sportsmanship. His reactions to all the hoopla surrounding him should be an example to baseball players everywhere! Players like him make me remember why I started loving this sport so much in the first place - and THAT'S what it should be about.

I Love Mike Piazza......he is "THE BEST"

Mike Piazza only number 17 on this list???? You have got to be kidding me. He is hitting .370 and once again carrying an average Mets lineup. Although not even in the same universe defensively as I-Rod, Piazza is still "the Man" when it comes to hitting catchers-- or hitters in general. The greatest hitting catcher of all time should be ranked higher.

The best player of his generation--Griffey included. he's had higher on base % higher slugging %, has stolen more bases, and racked up 3 M.V.P. awards. He's also a gold glove fielder and has led his team into the playofffs four times. he seems to make everyone around him better. Even Jeff Kent can drive in 130 runs battion behind him. Outstanding.

Mike Piazza is the best offensive catcher in Baseball history. His stats will become more impressive in the next few years.

One of the most over-rated players in the league right now. Sure, his offense is great, but a catcher should take much more pride in his defense.