Johnny Kling, the Chicago Cubs Catcher remains a serious candidate for the Hall of Fame. Johnny Kling ranks with Hall of Fame catcher Roger Bresnahan as the best backstops during baseball 'dead ball era' at the start of the last century. Although he was an outstanding hitter, Kling was sure-handed and noted for his aggressive style of defensive. He led all catchers in putouts six times, in fielding average twice and once in assists. Kling was the main man of the first 20th century dynasty - The Chicago Cubs of 1906 thru 1909 - when he helped Them win four pennants, 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1910 and Win two straight World Championships - 1907-1908. In 1903, he hit .297 and powered 29 doubles, 13 triples and 3 homers, a .428 slugging percentage - no small feat during the 'dead ball era. |