RetroSimba

(Updated Nov. 28, 2019)

Since 1900, four catchers have led the Cardinals in batting average for a regular season. They are Frank Snyder, Joe Torre, Ted Simmons and Yadier Molina.

Molina has done it four times, Simmons twice and the others once each

A right-handed batter, Molina led the Cardinals in batting in 2011 (.305), 2012 (.315), 2013 (.319) and 2016 (.307).

Known for his strong, accurate arm and his smart handling of pitchers, Molina’s hitting came a long way since he batted .216 in 2006.

Here’s a look at the others:

TED SIMMONS

The switch-hitter led the Cardinals in batting in 1973 (.310) and 1975 (.332).

In 1975, Simmons finished second to National League batting champion Bill Madlock of the Cubs (.354). Simmons had 193 hits, 11 more than Madlock.

JOE TORRE

In 1970, Torre led the Cardinals with a .325 batting average. For the only time in his six seasons with St. Louis, Torre played more games at catcher (90) that year than he did at third base (73) or first base (1). As a catcher, Torre hit .330 in 1970. Overall, he placed second to 1970 National League batting champion Rico Carty of the Braves (.366).

FRANK SNYDER

A 21-year-old catcher, Snyder hit a team-high .298 for the 1915 Cardinals and edged right fielder Tom Long (.294) for the club batting championship. It was Snyder’s best season for St. Louis. A right-handed batter, he hit .265 in a 16-year big-league career (nine with the Cardinals).