LP
1977–1995 · C

Lance Parrish

6' 3", 210 lbs·Lived to 70·Bats R / Throws R
6×Silver Slugger3×Gold GloveAll-Star
The Almanac's Take

The most underappreciated catcher of the 1980s put together a rare combination of defensive excellence and power that defined Detroit's championship run. Parrish became the first backstop to win both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in the same season, doing it twice during his peak years with the Tigers.

His 1982 campaign showcased everything that made him special — a .284 average with 32 homers while anchoring Detroit's defense behind the plate. That 122 OPS+ represents his ceiling as an offensive force, well above his career 103 mark. The eight All-Star selections weren't just popularity contests; they reflected consistent two-way excellence from baseball's most demanding position.

Parrish finished with 324 career home runs, impressive power numbers for a catcher in an era when the position was defined more by defense than offense. His six Silver Sluggers tell the story of sustained offensive production that separated him from his contemporaries behind the plate.

Career Highs
.867
Best OPS · 1982
33
Most HR · 1984
114
Most RBI · 1983
.286
Best AVG · 1980
Career Arc · OPS
19 seasons
Statistical Comps

Career · Batting

19 seasons
YearTeamGABHRRBIAVGOPSOPS+
1977DET124637.196.70997
1978DET852881441.219.67897
1979DET1434931965.276.800110
1980DET1445532482.286.825116
1981DET963481046.244.704102
1982DET1334863287.284.867122
1983DET15560527114.269.796111
1984DET1475783398.237.730103
1985DET1405492898.273.802112
1986DET913272262.257.824114
1987PHI1304661767.245.71295
1988PHI1234241560.215.66395
1989CAL1244331750.238.694100
1990CAL1334702470.268.789111
1991CAL1194021951.216.67395
1992SEA932751232.233.712102
1993CLE102012.200.733100
1994PIT40126316.270.74498
1995TOR70178422.202.58678
Career198870673241070.252
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Lance Parrish Stats & Analysis | The Almanac