[speedy]

You could make a case he is as good as any catcher who ever played -- I always said Bench, of whom I am a great admirer, but I really believe Pudge, all-around, may top him. Bench had a bit more power, but Pudge hits for a far higher average, and indisputably outstanding as Bench was defensively, I am not sure Pudge isn't even a bit better. However, he is on the downward arc, as most catchers are by their early 30s. As is Mike Piazza, the best purely offensive catcher ever. You could plausibly say Yogi Berra or Mickey Cochrane as best ever too and have a good point.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I think Gary Carter was the best, then Bench.

[MeekOneGOP]

Very high praise for Pudge, thanks. He has my highest regards...

[JoeSixPack1]

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/hof/hofstca.shtml

Catchers BOLD Indicates Statistical Leader For HOF Catchers
Name [Link To Full Stats]	AVG	OBP	SLG	HITS	HR	RBI	RUNS	SB
Johnny Bench	.267	.345	.476	2,048	389	1,376	1,091	68
Yogi Berra	.285	.350	.482	2,150	358	1,430	1,175	30
Roger Bresnahan	.279	.386	.377	1,252	26	530	682	212
Roy Campanella	.276	.362	.500	1,161	242	856	627	25
Gary Carter	.262	.335	.439	2,092	324	1,225	1,025	39
Mickey Cochrane	.320	.419	.478	1,652	119	832	1,041	64
Bill Dickey	.313	.382	.486	1,969	202	1,209	930	36
Buck Ewing	.303	.351	.456	1,625	71	883	1,129	354
Rick Ferrell	.281	.378	.363	1,692	28	734	687	29
Carlton Fisk	.269	.343	.457	2,356	376	1,330	1,276	128
Gabby Hartnett	.297	.370	.489	1,912	236	1,179	867	28
Ernie Lombardi	.306	.358	.460	1,792	190	990	601	8
Ray Schalk	.253	.340	.316	1,345	11	594	579	177
Name [Link To Full Stats]	AVG	OBP	SLG	HITS	HR	RBI	RUNS	SB