Who is the best catcher of all time?

Johnny Bench

Tony Pena of the Pittsburgh Pirates might have been the best defensive catcher. he originated throwing from his knees and and the way he knelt down to catch a ptch and could block just about anything. He wasn't among the best hitting catchers howeever so he doesn't get mentions with the likes of Piazza ( Who wasn't a good defensive catcher) or Pudge Fisk or Rodriguez.

Bench. But Yogi and Pudge Rodriguez are up there too. And going back a long, long time ago, Bill Dickey and Mickey Cochrane are on the list as well.

Also, even though the color line kept him out of the Majors, from everything I've read or heard Josh Gibson was great too. Just how great is hard to say.

Josh Gibson.

He hit more than 70 HRs in a season more than once and had in the area of 800 career home runs before his death in 1947. Josh Gibson is the greatest player to never see a Major League pitch, and possibly the greatest period.

Although his career was cut short. You will find alot of support for Thurman Munson.

Myself, I am a fan of Jim Sunburg who is no wear near the "best" catchers in MLB.

Lets not forget Carlton Fisk.

Mike Piazza

Roy Campanella, Johnnie Bench and Yogi Berra get my vote as best ever.

Mike Piazza

Roy Campanella - Brooklyn Dodgers

Yogi Berra was a verrrry close second.

Lance Parrish of the '80's Detroit Tigers!!!!