How a 48th-round draft pick became one of baseball's most enduring catchers
In short: In 1987, the New York Yankees selected Brad Ausmus in the 48th round. Most players from that position never see the majors, but Ausmus defied the odds to build an 18-year career defined by durability, intelligence, and a rare combination of defensive mastery and offensive grit.
Brad Ausmus's career is a testament to longevity and academic discipline. After being drafted by the Yankees in 1987, he chose to alternate between professional minor league baseball and attending Dartmouth College. This unconventional path allowed him to graduate in 1991 with a degree in government, making him a rare example of a four-year college graduate in a sport where such academic credentials were uncommon in 2009.
On the field, Ausmus was a highly regarded catcher known for his 'baseball smarts.' He was a three-time Gold Glove winner (2001, 2002, and 2006) and was recognized for his integrity with the 2007 Darryl Kile Award. His durability was remarkable; for much of his career, he was one of only a few active players to avoid the disabled list for over a decade, until a herniated disc required surgery in 2010.
His statistical legacy is significant. By the end of his playing career in 2010, he ranked third in MLB history for putouts by a catcher with 12,839, trailing only Iván Rodríguez and Jason Kendall. He also holds high rankings for games caught (7th) and runs batted in (10th among Jewish major leaguers as of 2024). Beyond his playing days, his reputation for leadership led him to manage the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, and eventually serve as a coach for the New York Yankees.
Ausmus's influence extends to the cultural fabric of the game. As a prominent Jewish player, he has become a figure of inspiration for young Jewish athletes, a connection he has embraced throughout his career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Brad Ausmus
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