The catcher who broke the record for most home runs
In short: For decades, catchers were expected to be defensive anchors, not offensive powerhouses. Salvador Perez shattered that mold, becoming one of only eight primary catchers in MLB history to hit 300 career home runs while leading his team to a World Series title.
Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Salvador Perez was raised by his mother, Yilda Díaz, who supported the family by selling homemade cakes and lasagna. To keep her only child occupied, she enrolled him in a baseball school where he displayed early talent as a six-year-old. Though he initially played pitcher and shortstop, Perez committed to playing catcher professionally at age 14 before signing with the Kansas City Royals for $65,000 at 16.
Perez's career is defined by extreme offensive output despite physical tolls. In 2014, he started more games than any other MLB catcher. By 2021, he held the single-season record for home runs by a primary catcher with 48—a mark he tied with Jorge Soler that same year. His power was so significant in 2021 that he won two-thirds of the batting Triple Crown, finishing with a league-leading 121 RBIs.
His journey has been marked by major surgeries and positional shifts. After tearing his meniscus in 2012 and undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in early 2019, Perez began transitioning to first base and designated hitter in 2023 due to knee issues. Despite these hurdles, he remains a cornerstone for the Royals, serving as their captain since March 30, 2023.
Perez is also an international icon. He represented Venezuela at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he served as captain of the team that secured the nation's first-ever WBC championship.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Salvador Perez
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