Former Phillies catcher Erik Kratz turning into folklore
What is happening with former Phillies catcher Erik Kratz?
The famous line “heros get remembered but legends never die” from the movie Sandlot is one few would ever associate with former Phillies catcher Erik Kratz. A 29th round draft pick in 2002 Kratz spent parts of nine seasons in the minor leagues before making his major league debut.
He’s never been anything more than a backup catcher, but for some reason, baseball is falling in love with Erik Kratz.
Some of the love comes from Kratz’s performance in game two of the NLDS, his first career playoff game after nine years bouncing between the minors and majors. He went 2-4 with two RBI in the 4-0.
Kratz came right back and went 3-4 in game three, making him 5-8 in his first eight playoff plate appearances.
The longtime backup catcher has fallen back to earth offensively, hitting .091 in his last five playoff games, but the world is starting to love some Kratz.
Much like the traveling Jagrs, a group of fans who wore every jersey former Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr ever wore during his Hall of Fame career, Kratz now has his own fan group.
A group of fans wearing Kratz jerseys from several of his former teams met the growing folk hero prior to game six of the NLCS.
These dudes came to tonight's #NLCS game each wearing one of the @MLB jerseys worn by @ErikKratz31.
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 20, 2018
Of course Kratz showed love. pic.twitter.com/edkou8Irlj
These dudes came to the ballpark each wearing one of the many major-league uniforms worn by Brewers folk hero Erik Kratz. pic.twitter.com/kKK1dRgzRj
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) October 19, 2018
And of course, Kratz delivered with an RBI single for Milwaukee against Los Angeles.
Kratz’s former teammate and current Phillies radio analyst Kevin Frandsen gave the Brewers catcher a shoutout during the game.
And of course, this video of Kratz purposely tripping coming out for the Astros on opening day two years ago emerged.
Heard a classic story about the highly respected and greatly appreciated Erik Kratz today: When the Astros went through Opening Day intros in 2016, an Astro offered $1,000 to anybody who would do a face plant. Kratz: I'll do it. And this is what followed: pic.twitter.com/jDzct3iMWj
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 19, 2018
What is with the Kratz love? He’s a career .211 hitter with 170 hits in 295 games over nine years with a WAR of .3 in his lackluster career.
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He didn’t have a career defining moment like Matt Stairs, but Kratz is turning into a similar, good story folk legend before our eyes.