Deadball Era Heroes: Cy Young’s Catcher

[Dead-Ball-Hitter]

Is it only modern, top-of-the-rotation pitchers who insist on a “personal catcher”? [See Jon Lester with David Ross, Clayton Kershaw with AJ Ellis… even Steve Carlton with Tim McCarver]

No, pitchers who enjoy, even insist, on working with a specific battery mate go back to the early days of baseball! Over a decade span between 1897 - 1908 Lou Criger caught most of Cy Young’s 284 wins during that period. Although a light-hitting backstop, Criger was second to none behind the plate! Lou went where Cy went as they played together for three teams in the aforementioned term.

Lou Criger was the Opening Day catcher for the very first game of the Boston Americans team (named the Red Sox in 1908). He caught every inning in the first modern World Series of 1903, being a critical member of the championship team.

Young called Criger, “the greatest catcher that ever stood behind the plate.” Cy also commented on another occasion that, “I’ve pitched to him so long that he seems a part of me… Lou is a great student of the game and knows the weakness of every batter in the league.” Appearing on six HOF ballots, Lou Criger has yet to be elected to the Hall.

Please post your favorite Lou Criger item at your convenience….