A look at the Man behind the Mask
By James Kunz
Thomas Alan "Pags" Pagnozzi
"You look at my tools, for me to remain almost 12 years in the same spot was an accomplishment for me. I was lucky. For a guy who can't run, can't hit, and all he can do is throw, that's a good career." Spoken by Tom Pagnozzi on the day of his release from the Cardinals in 1998, this quote exemplifies the type of player he was- a hard worker.
Although he made it to the majors in 1987 and even got several at bats in the playoffs that year, there was always someone in his way: Tony Pena from 1987-1989, and Todd Zeile after that.
But the Cardinals stayed faithful to him, and he rewarded them with a high level of play throughout his career.
When the Cardinals drafted Pagnozzi in the 8th round of the 1983
draft, it was on the basis that he was a good offensive catcher who offered little defense, but the Cardinals were vastly mistaken. Pagnozzi won three Gold Gloves, and in 1992, when he was elected to the National League all-star team, he tied a league record with a .999 fielding percentage, committing only one error in 742 total chances and winning the second of his three Gold Glove awards.
However, while playing superb defense, Pagnozzi was also
able to maintain solid offense play as well. Throughout his years as the primary 1991 through 1996) he averaged a .257 average, 19 doubles, and 42 RBI. In 1996 he enjoyed a peak year at the plate, establishing career highs with 48 runs and 13 homeruns to go along with a .270 average.
Despite all his success, Pagnozzi was consistently marred with
injuries that consistently inhibited him from playing full seasons. Knee operations in1993 and 1994 were followed were followed by a collision at home plate in 1995 that tore a tendon. Only a week after getting off the disabled list, he broke his wrist, ending the season.
Despite the offense he brought in 1996, which included numerous clutch hits, he broke down in 1997 and 1998, playing only 76 games. Nonetheless, he remained a positive clubhouse figure, helping young pitchers develop and looking out for the non-playing employees.
In spite of all his injuries, Pagnozzi was able to play 927 games, all but a hundred of which were at catcher, ranking him fourth on the club's all time list. He was one the best players at his position, and had so much promise that Todd Zeile was adapted to play third so he could continue to play.
Pagnozzi himself sums it up best, "I didn't have the greatest ability, but I did the best I could."
