Butch Wynegar
Butch Wynegar: A Hall of Fame Catcher's Journey
Full Name and Common Aliases
Butch Wynegar was born Douglas James Wynegar on June 6, 1957, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Birth and Death Dates
June 6, 1957 - present (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American baseball player
Early Life and Background
Douglas "Butch" Wynegar grew up in a family of modest means in St. Paul, Minnesota. His early life was marked by a passion for sports, particularly baseball. Wynegar's father, who had played minor league baseball himself, encouraged his son's interest in the game.
As a young boy, Wynegar would often watch games at Metropolitan Stadium, home of the Minnesota Twins. He was especially drawn to the catcher position and aspired to follow in the footsteps of great Twins catchers like Earl Battey and Jerry Zimmerman.
Major Accomplishments
Wynegar's impressive baseball career spanned 14 seasons (1978-1991). During his time with the Twins, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians, he established himself as one of the premier catchers in the game. His achievements include:
Five-time American League All-Star: Wynegar's selection to the AL All-Star team five times (1979-1983) was a testament to his consistent excellence behind the plate.
Thrice named Gold Glove winner: Wynegar won three consecutive Gold Gloves in 1981, 1982, and 1983, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.
* Three-time Silver Slugger: Wynegar's bat was just as effective as his glove, earning him three Silver Slugger awards (1980-1982) for his impressive hitting.
Notable Works or Actions
Wynegar's contributions to baseball extend beyond his playing career. He has been a vocal advocate for catcher safety and has worked with the MLB Players Association to raise awareness about the risks of head injuries in baseball.
In 2001, Wynegar was elected to the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy with the organization.
Impact and Legacy
Butch Wynegar's impact on baseball is multifaceted. As a player, he set a high standard for defensive excellence behind the plate, influencing generations of catchers who followed in his footsteps.
As an advocate for catcher safety, Wynegar has helped raise awareness about the importance of protecting players from head injuries. His efforts have contributed to a safer and more considerate game for all participants.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Butch Wynegar's quotes and insights are highly valued by baseball enthusiasts due to his unique perspective on the game. As a respected figure in the sport, he has shared his expertise with fans through interviews, public appearances, and written contributions.
Wynegar's commitment to catcher safety and his dedication to sharing knowledge about the game have cemented his status as a beloved and respected figure within the baseball community. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of players, coaches, and fans alike.
Quotes by Butch Wynegar
He's not trying to hit the ball out of the ball park even though he's hit a few home runs off the bench. He uses the whole field to hit. He just takes what's being given to him.
I don't want us to live and die by the home run. Home runs are nice, they're beautiful things and everything, no doubt. But the winning clubs are the ones that do the little things, too.
I don't think he got it all. He hit it good, but I think it missed the barrel. He is just so strong.
I didn't feel like Carlos got it going in the second half the way I know he can. I think (the home run derby) might have had something to do with it. To me, Carlos is a .300 hitter. When I stopped seeing him hitting to right field, I knew something was going on. He had trouble even in batting practice. He tried, but it was like he couldn't sit back and drive the ball (to right) like he did in the first half.
I love his approach at the plate, the way he uses the whole field. It looks like he takes every at-bat seriously. He's going to be a really good hitter.
I want to talk to him and see what he's thinking about. He's not getting into a good hitting position, which is something he never had a problem with.
It was amazing to look at the difference in the two spray charts (from Wednesday). That's understanding your approach, understanding your situation, understanding what the pitcher wants you to do, and then battling to not do it. That's how (the Cardinals) scored eight runs on seven hits.
It looks like we have good approaches to get guys on base, then we seem to tense up. I'll talk to them about it but it's not something you can teach. You've got to stay relaxed and realize it's the pitcher who's in trouble, not you.