Steve Yeager

Stephen Wayne Yeager (born November 24, 1948 in Huntington, West Virginia) is an American baseball player; catcher. Yeager spent 14 of 15 seasons of his Major League Baseball career, from 1972 through 1985, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His last year, in 1986, was with the Seattle Mariners.

Major League Career

In the beginning of August, 1972, he would get "the call" to the majors, and make his major league debut on the 2nd. In that first-third of a season he would make 106 plate appearances in 35 games, batt .274, and drive in 15 runs on 29 hits, while scoring 18 total runs. He contributed to four World Series appearances with the Dodgers, in 1974, 1977, 1978 and 1981. In the latter, Yeager shared the World Series Most Valuable Player award with Dodger teammates Pedro Guerrero and Ron Cey.

Related Topics:
World Series - 1974 - 1977 - 1978 - 1981 - World Series Most Valuable Player - Pedro Guerrero - Ron Cey

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Lou Brock called Yeager "the best-throwing catcher in the game." Steve's specialty was defense and his command of the game on the field. He was very good at controlling the game defensively, especially with young pitchers. His batting, however, was not spectacular; in his best year, 1974, he batted .266 in fewer than 100 games. Yeager is famous for having invented the catcher's throat protector flap, which he began wearing after an life-threatening incident in which a shattered bat pierced his neck and he needed added protection.

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In 1999, Yeager was the hitting coach for the Dodgers? Single-A San Bernardino club, which won the California League championship. Steve is currently coaching for the Dodgers at Double-A Jacksonville.

Related Topics:
San Bernardino - Jacksonville

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