Mike Ryan (1941–2020), former Red Sox and Phillies catcher

Mike Ryan was a former MLB catcher who played with the Red Sox, Phillies, and Pirates. He was the catcher on the 1967 Red Sox “Impossible Dream” team.  

• Died: Tuesday, July 7, 2020. (Who else died on July 7?) 
• Details of Death: Died at the age of 78.   
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MLB Career 

Ryan was a strong defensive catcher who was not a good hitter at the plate. He played for the Red Sox during their famous “Impossible Dream” season in 1967. The Red Sox surprised the league that year by making it to the World Series where they lost in 7 games to the Cardinals. He was traded to the Phillies after that season, playing with them for six seasons and finishing his career playing one season for the Pirates.  

Why he chose to play catcher 

“I just liked to catch, Ryan said, adding that the catcher’s job “is lots of fun, and it’s good just to be in a ballgame.” - Boston Globe 

What they said about him

Full Obituary: Boston Globe