Piazza Breaks Mark for Catchers
Last night, Mike Piazza hit his 352nd home run as a catcher, breaking the all-time record for the position, previously held by Carlton Fisk. The 405-foot shot to right-center came on a 3-1 pitch in the first inning off of Jerome Williams of the San Francisco Giants. Many in attendance at Shea thought they would see Barry Bonds at the plate, but they got a record setting performance by the greatest offensive catcher in baseball. Piazza tied the record last week against the Dodgers and has five home runs this season. After the game, Piazza was rightfully proud of his accomplishment:
"It's something I'm very proud of. The only reason it holds a little more significance is because of the physical demands of the position. To do that, to hit that many home runs, number one, you have to be healthy and somewhat consistent. There's been some great catchers that have played this game … and I think that's the reason why I think it's a little more heralded."Gothamist tips our cap to Mike Piazza, who has accomplished quite a feat. He might not be the best defensive catcher in the game, but there is little doubt that he is an offensive force. The Mets went on to win the game, 8-2 (box score), their 3rd straight. In Oakland, the Yankees won their 8th straight game, defeating the A's, 4-3 (box score).
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