José Benjamin Molina is a Puerto Rican professional baseball coach and former catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for four teams in MLB, and for the Puerto Rican national team in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Noted for his abilities in pitch-framing and in handling pitching staffs, Molina is a two-time World Series champion in MLB and a two-time silver medalist with Puerto Rico.
Molina with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012
Molina with the New York Yankees in 2007
Molina with the Blue Jays
Catcher is a position in baseball and softball. When a batter takes their turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the (home) umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. In addition to this primary duty, the catcher is also called upon to master many other skills in order to field the position well. The role of the catcher is similar to that of the wicket-keeper in cricket.
Kansas City Royals catcher and 5× Gold Glove winner Salvador Pérez stands behind home plate during a 2013 game versus the New York Mets.
Uni-President Lions catcher Kao Chih-kang preparing for a game
Ali Sánchez's orange-painted fingernail during a 2022 game for the Toledo Mud Hens
Catcher Matt Wieters blocks runner Derek Jeter from tagging home plate.