Was Bill Dickey the greatest Yankee catcher?

[Jersey Yankee]

I was at Sunday's game and finally visited Monument Park. I was honored. There, I made sure I visited the retired numbers just before reaching Monument Park itself. Under the retired numbers, it read that Bill Dickey (http://www.baseballreference.com/d/dickebi01.shtml) was perhaps the greatest Yankee catcher ever.

How would he compare to other greats like Yogi, Elston Howard or Thurmie? I don't care how long-winded you want to me, just let me know how you feel and I'd be so happy, since I don't know his name as well as I do others, like Gehrig, Ruth, Ford, Mantle, Scooter, etc.

If anyone wants to throw in the name Campy of Dem Bums, I'd love hearing how he compared to them also!!!

Thanks in advance.

[Rocketman]

Bill Dickey was a catcher who hit for very high average and during the peak of his career for good power. His 1936 season remains the best single season for a Yankee catcher- he hit an incredible .362 and had a 1.045 OPS- good for fourth in the league (Gehrig led the league and won the MVP). He had well over 100 RBI, even though he only played 112 games. An 11 time all star, Dickey RARELY struck out and handled pitchers beautifully. Berra compares favorably because of his three MVP awards (remember, Ted Williams only won two) but you should remember than even Phil Rizzuto won one- back then the Yankees had a good chance of having any player win the MVP every season.

Munson, as great as he was, did not statistically compete, even if you break his stats down by era. Same with Posada.

He's the second best in Yankee history- which is pretty good, considering the talent we've had there!

[Slippery Elm]

Who is the second best?? Dickey? Munson?


I can't see choosing Berra over Dickey.


An interesting comparison would Ellie Howard vs Munson.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/all_time_stats/players/h/42245/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/all_time_stats/players/m/40689/index.html

I'd give the nod to Thurm for playing more (he has a lot more AB's) and he has a better BA. More clutch, also.

[Jersey Yankee]

Thanks for the replies I've gotten so far. I'll admit I wasn't as aware of Dickey as I was of Yogi so I was happy to hear more of him.

Anyone know how Bill compares to Campy of the Brooklyn Dodgers? Thanks.