Signed out of high school as the #4 overall pick of the Brewers in the 1970 amateur draft, husky Darrell Porter developed into one of the grittiest catchers in baseball. Originally thought of as a can't-miss hitter, Porter became a solid big league catcher and a valuable member of five division-winning teams. After failing to live up to expectations in Milwaukee, Porter was dealt to the Royals, where he blossomed. Later, he overcame alcoholism to become the heart-and-soul of the Cardinals, earning honors in both the 1982 NLCS and World Series.
Quotes About Darrell Porter
"I know one thing: without Darrell Porter, we sure wouldn't have won our second and third straight championships in the West Division." — Royals manager Whitey Herzog
Quotes From Darrell Porter
"It got the point that I hated the game and didn't want to play it. I didn't want to go to the ballpark. It wasn't fun anymore." — Porter on his struggles to live up to expectations in Milwaukee
Teams Darrell Porter Played For
Milwaukee Brewers (1971-1976) Kansas City Royals (1977-1980) St. Louis Cardinals (1981-1985) Texas Rangers (1986-1987)
Where does Darrell Porter rank among baseball greats?
Darrell Porter ranks #26 among the Top 50 all-time at C. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1979 Porter enjoyed one of the best seasons ever turned in by a catcher in the American League.
Factoids In 1979, Darrell Porter became just the fifth catcher in American League history to record 90 walks and 90 RBI in the same season.
Before Porter reached the 100-mark in runs, RBI, and walks in 1979, the only other AL catcher to do so was Mickey Cochrane.
Born Darrell Ray Porter was born on January 17, 1952, in Joplin, MO.
Related Players When he was drafted out of high school in Oklahoma, Porter was compared to Johnny Bench.
Hall of Fame Voting
Year
Election
Votes
Pct
1993
BBWAA
0
%
Post-Season Appearances
1977 American League Championship Series
1978 American League Championship Series
1980 American League Championship Series
1980 World Series
1982 National League Championship Series
1982 World Series
1985 National League Championship Series
1985 World Series
Awards and Honors
1982 NL NLCS MVP
1982 ML WS MVP
Transactions After the 1973 season, the Chicago Cubs offered the Brewers $1 million in cash for Porter. Owner Bud Selig declined. "There isn't enoygh money around to get Darrell," Selig said. Following Porter's disappointing 1976 season, Selig traded the catcher to Kansas City in a five-player deal that netted him Jom Wohlford, Jamie Quirk, and Bob McClure.
All-Star Selections
1974 AL
1978 AL
1979 AL
1980 AL
Replaced Ellie Rodriguez
Best Strength as a Player Clutch hitting, game-calling, blocking the plate, and discipline at the plate.
Largest Weakness as a Player He didn't hit for a high average, but that's nit-picking.
