Buster Posey
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Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey III (born March 27, 1987) is an American baseball executive and former professional baseball catcher. He is currently the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent his entire 12-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Giants, from 2009 until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Internationally, Posey represented the United States. In the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC), he helped win Team USA's first gold medal in a WBC tournament.

Key Information

Posey was born in Leesburg, Georgia. He played four sports in high school; in baseball, he excelled at hitting and pitching. He attended Florida State University, where he began playing the catcher and first base positions. He won the Golden Spikes Award and the Brooks Wallace Award in 2008.

The Giants selected him with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft. Posey made his MLB debut on September 11, 2009. He and Madison Bumgarner both made their Major League debuts in 2009 and established a reputation as one of the best batteries in recent MLB history.[1] As a rookie, Posey finished with a .305 batting average, 18 home runs, and 67 runs batted in. He caught every inning of the playoffs as the Giants won the 2010 World Series. He was named the NL Rookie of the Year. In 2011, after he was severely injured in a collision with the Florida Marlins' Scott Cousins at home plate, Posey missed most of the year. The collision is widely seen as pushing Major League Baseball to adopt rule 7.13 regarding blocking the plate prior to the 2014 season, informally known as the "Buster Posey Rule". Posey returned from his injury in 2012 and caught Matt Cain's perfect game, batted .336 to win the 2012 NL batting title and was voted the 2012 NL MVP. He won his second World Series that year, as the Giants swept the Detroit Tigers in four games. In 2013, Posey signed a franchise-record eight-year, $167 million contract extension with the Giants.[2] He won his third World Series the following year as the Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals. Posey is the second player in MLB history, after Pete Rose, to win the Rookie of the Year, a League MVP, and three World Series championships.

Posey played in four no-hitters in his career, catching three of them. In 2016, he won a Gold Glove Award. In 2019, the Johnny Bench Award was renamed the Buster Posey Award, which honors college baseball's top NCAA Division I catcher. After opting out of the shortened 2020 MLB season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Posey led the Giants to a franchise-record 107 wins in his final season in 2021.

In September 2022, Posey joined the Giants' ownership group and two years later became their president of baseball operations.

Early life

[edit]

Gerald Dempsey Posey III[3] was born on March 27, 1987, in Leesburg, Georgia, to Demp and Traci Posey. He is the oldest of four children.[4] He and his family grew up Methodist Christian. Posey has an uncle who is a Methodist minister and an aunt who is a camp minister for Duke University.[5][6] His nickname, "Buster", came from his father's childhood nickname.[7] Posey grew up a fan of the Atlanta Braves.[8] He also played football, soccer, and basketball growing up, but baseball was his main sport.[9]

As a junior at Lee County High School, Posey pitched and played shortstop. That year he hit nine doubles, three triples, and seven home runs while setting school records for batting average (.544) and runs batted in (RBI) (46). His pitching achievements included a 10–1 record and a 1.53 earned run average (ERA).[4] In his senior year, he batted .462 with 40 RBIs while setting a school record with 14 home runs.[4] In 13 starts as a pitcher that year, he had a 12–0 record with a 1.06 ERA and 108 strikeouts.[4] In the Georgia AAAA State Championship, Lee County was defeated by Henry County High, for whom fellow future major leaguer Jason Heyward played.[10]

After his senior season, Posey was named the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, the Louisville Slugger State Player of the Year, an EA Sports Second Team All-American, and a Baseball America All-American. He graduated with a 3.94 grade point average in high school, fourth in his class of 302 students.[4]

College career

[edit]

Posey played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles under coach Mike Martin. He played shortstop as a freshman at Florida State in 2006, starting all 65 games for the Seminoles. He was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. He finished his freshman season with a .346 batting average, four home runs and 48 RBI.[4] As a sophomore, Posey moved to the catcher position on the suggestion of assistant coach Mike Martin Jr.[11] He batted .382 with three home runs and 65 RBI. After one season of playing the position, Posey finished second to Ed Easley in Johnny Bench Award voting.[12][13]

In 2008, as a junior, he hit .463 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI, won the ACC Baseball Player of the Year, Johnny Bench Award, and garnered the Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year award.[13][14] On May 12, he hit a grand slam and played all nine fielding positions in a 10–0 victory over Savannah State University; as a pitcher that day, he struck out both batters he faced.[15][16] Posey was awarded the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award at the end of the year.[17][18]

During the college offseason, Posey started at shortstop for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in 2006 when they won the Cape Cod Baseball League championship, and started at catcher in 2007 when they won another championship.[19][20][21] He was named a league all-star in both seasons.[22][23]

Professional career

[edit]

Drafts and minor leagues

[edit]

Although he was drafted in the 50th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he chose to enroll in college instead of signing a professional baseball contract.[4] Posey was considered by Baseball America to be the best catcher available in the 2008 MLB draft.[24] He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the fifth overall pick.[25] On August 16, the Giants signed Posey shortly before the signing deadline for draftees and gave him a $6.2 million signing bonus, the largest up-front bonus in Giants history.[26] Entering the 2009 season, Baseball America ranked him the number two prospect in the Giants' organization (behind Madison Bumgarner).[27] He was invited to the Giants' spring training in 2009. Following spring training, Posey was assigned to the Giants' Class A Advanced affiliate, the San Jose Giants of the California League.[28] In 80 games with San Jose, he batted .326 with 63 runs, 95 hits, 23 doubles, 13 home runs, and 58 RBI.[29]

On July 13, Posey was promoted to the Giants' Class AAA team, the Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League.[30] In 35 games with Fresno, he batted .321 with 21 runs scored, 42 hits, eight doubles, five home runs, and 22 RBI.[29]

San Francisco Giants (2009–2019, 2021)

[edit]

2009

[edit]

Because of an injury to Giants starting catcher Bengie Molina, Posey was called up to MLB for the first time on September 2, 2009.[31] On September 11, 2009, Posey made his MLB debut, striking out in his first at bat against Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers.[32] Posey got his first major league hit on September 19 against Jeff Weaver of the Dodgers.[33] In 17 at-bats with the Giants in 2009, Posey had two hits.[34]

Coming into 2010, Baseball America ranked Posey as the top prospect in the Giants' organization.[35] After again appearing in the Giants' spring training camp,[36] Posey began the 2010 season at Fresno, batting .349 with 31 runs scored, 60 hits, 13 doubles, six home runs, and 32 RBI in 47 games.[29]

2010

[edit]
Posey catching in 2010

Posey was called up to the major leagues on May 29, 2010, and started at first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Posey drove in the first runs of his major league career, going three for four with three RBI.[37] He appeared primarily at first base through the end of June. Posey hit his first career home run against Aaron Harang of the Cincinnati Reds on June 9.[38] Following Molina's trade to the Texas Rangers on June 30, Posey became the starting catcher for the Giants.[39][40]

Posey hit his first career grand slam against Chris Narveson of the Milwaukee Brewers on July 7, en route to a two-home run, four-hit, six-RBI night.[41] This was part of a ten-game streak from July 1 to 10 during which he batted .514 with 19 hits, six home runs, and 13 RBI to set a National League (NL) record for rookies during any ten-day stretch according to the Elias Sports Bureau.[42] This performance also earned him the NL Player of the Week honors for the week of July 5–11, 2010.[43]

In a July 10 game against the Washington Nationals, Posey was inserted into the Giants' batting order as the clean-up hitter, which became his regular position in the lineup.[44] He had a 21-game hitting streak that started July 4 and ended July 29 when Aníbal Sánchez of the Florida Marlins threw a one-hitter against the Giants. During the streak, which fell one game short of tying the San Francisco Giants' rookie mark set by Willie McCovey and five short of the team record, Posey batted .440 with 37 hits, six home runs, and 23 RBI.[45][46] Posey was awarded both the NL Player of the Month and NL Rookie of the Month awards for his excellent July.[47]

Posey batting in 2010

On September 21, Posey hit an eighth-inning home run against Andrew Cashner of the Chicago Cubs to win the game, 1–0. He hit another eighth-inning home run against Luke Gregerson of the San Diego Padres in the final game of the year on October 3 as Giants secured the NL West Division championship by defeating the Padres 3–0.[48] In 108 games, Posey batted .305 with 58 runs scored, 124 hits, 23 doubles, 18 home runs, and 67 RBI.[34]

Posey was named the NL Rookie of the Year; Posey had 20 first place votes while Heyward, of the Atlanta Braves, finished second with nine.[49] Posey was the sixth Giant to win the award, joining Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey, Gary Matthews and John Montefusco. He was also the sixth catcher in NL history to win the award.[50] Posey was named by his peers as the NL Players Choice Awards Outstanding Rookie.[51] He was named the catcher on Baseball America's All-Rookie Team[52] and the 2010 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team.[53] He finished 11th in NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting.[54]

In the NL Division Series (NLDS) against the Braves, Posey batted .375 as the Giants won the series in four games.[55] In Game 4 of the NL Championship Series (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies, he became the first rookie to get four hits in an NLCS game as the Giants won 6–5.[56] He batted .217 with five hits and three RBI in the series as the Giants defeated the Phillies in six games.[55] In Game 4 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers, Posey and Madison Bumgarner formed the first rookie starting pitcher-catcher tandem in a World Series since Yogi Berra caught Spec Shea in Game 1 of the 1947 World Series. Posey hit his first postseason home run against Darren O'Day in the 4–0 victory, making him the fifth rookie catcher to hit a home run in the World Series.[57] The Giants won the series four games to one, giving Posey (who batted .300 with a home run and two RBI in the Series) his first World Series ring. Posey caught every inning of the playoffs for the Giants.[55]

On November 3, the Giants celebrated their first World Series victory parade in San Francisco.[58][59][60] In his speech, Posey said "San Francisco Giants. World Series champions. Let's enjoy this today, tomorrow, for a week, maybe even a month. Then let's get back to work and make another run at it."[61]

2011

[edit]

Posey set season highs with three hits and four RBI on April 6, 2011, including a two-run home run against Tim Stauffer in an 8–4 victory over the Padres.[62]

On May 25, during a game against the Florida Marlins, Posey was injured during a collision with Scott Cousins at home plate as Cousins scored the eventual winning run on a sac fly in the 12th inning of a 7–6 Giants' loss. Posey suffered a fractured fibula and torn ligaments in his ankle, requiring season-ending surgery.[63][64] Cousins, who was not disciplined, said he collided with Posey intentionally in order to score. "If you hit them, you punish them and you punish yourself, but you have a chance of that ball coming out."[65] He expressed regret over injuring Posey, saying "I certainly didn't want him to get hurt."[66] Cousins received threats from fans, but Posey denounced them: "I appreciate the continued support of Giants fans and others as I begin the process of working my way back ... But in no way do I condone threats of any kind against Scott Cousins or his family. As I said last week, I'm not out to vilify Scott."[67] The collision led Major League Baseball to adopt rule 7.13, informally known as the "Buster Posey Rule",[68] which states that "a runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate)." A runner violating the rule will be declared out, even if the fielder drops the ball.[69] In 45 games, Posey batted .284 with 17 runs scored, 46 hits, five doubles, four home runs, and 21 RBI.[34]

2012

[edit]

Posey started at catcher during Matt Cain's perfect game on June 13, 2012,[70] the 22nd in major league history.[71] He stated afterwards that the game had him feeling "as nervous as I've ever been on a baseball field."[72] He played in the 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his first, on July 10, going 0–2 with a walk and a run scored.[73] After batting .289 with 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 77 games before the All-Star break, Posey batted .385 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI in the final 71 games of the season.[74] On July 17, he had three hits and five RBI in a 9–0 victory over the Braves.[75] Four days later, he had four hits and three RBI, including a two-run home run against Cole Hamels in a 10-inning, 6–5 victory over the Phillies.[76] Two days later, he had three hits and four RBI, including a three-run home run against Clayton Richard in a 7–1 victory over the Padres.[77] He hit a game-winning three-run home run against Lance Lynn on August 7 in a 4–2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.[78] On September 17, he had three hits, including a game-winning two-run home run against Wade Miley in a 3–2 victory over the Diamondbacks.[79] In 148 games, Posey had 78 runs scored, 178 hits (tied for eighth in the NL with David Wright), 39 doubles (tied for eighth with Yonder Alonso), 24 home runs, and 103 RBI (sixth).[80]

Posey's teammate Melky Cabrera batted .346 in 2012, but MLB declared him ineligible for the batting title after receiving a 50-game suspension for raised testosterone levels.[81] As a result, Posey led both leagues in batting in 2012 with an average of .336, becoming the first catcher to lead the NL in hitting since Ernie Lombardi of the Boston Braves in 1942.[82] He also became only the second San Francisco Giant to win the batting title, following Barry Bonds in 2002 and 2004.[83] Posey's .433 batting average against left-handed pitching (71 for 164) led all batters in the major leagues in 2012.[84]

In Game 5 of the NLDS against the Reds on October 11, Posey hit a grand slam off of Reds starter Mat Latos to give the Giants a 6–0 lead and subsequently won the game. The Giants become the second NL team to win a Division Series after being down two games to none and first since the LDS became a permanent standard in the playoffs in 1995. Posey became just the third catcher in MLB history to hit a grand slam in the playoffs, along with Berra and Eddie Pérez.[85] He also completed a strikeout-throw out double play at third base in the sixth inning to help preserve the victory.[86] He batted .154 with four hits and one RBI in the NLCS as the Giants defeated the Cardinals in seven games.[55] He hit a two-run home run against Max Scherzer in Game 4 of the World Series as the Giants swept the Detroit Tigers, giving Posey his second World Series championship.[87]

Posey and his wife, Kristen, at the 2012 World Series Parade

After the season, the Baseball Writers' Association of America named Posey the NL MVP.[88] He won the Silver Slugger Award for the catcher position.[89] He won the NL Hank Aaron Award, and Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers won the American League (AL) award, marking the first time in history that World Series opponents won the award in the same year.[90] He was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year,[91] and he received the Willie Mac Award from the Giants' organization.[92]

2013

[edit]
Posey hitting a pitch in 2013

Eligible for salary arbitration for the first time, Posey signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Giants prior to spring training in 2013.[93] On March 29, Posey agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $167 million, said by the Giants to be the most lucrative in franchise history. The contract wiped out three arbitration years and five years of free agency for Posey, locking in his services through the 2021 season with a club option for 2022. The agreement was the second largest in major league history for a catcher, exceeded only by that of Joe Mauer in 2010 with the Minnesota Twins.[94]

On July 1, 2013, Posey was named National League Player of the Week for the week of June 23–29. It was the second time Posey earned the award during his career, and the first since 2010. In six games Posey hit .500, to raise his average from .307 to .322, had an on-base percentage of .560, a slugging percentage of 1.182, stroked four home runs, and drove in six.[95] On July 13, 2013, Posey caught Tim Lincecum's first no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. The no-hitter also marks the 15th ever in Giants history as well as the second performed in an away ballpark. On July 16, 2013, Posey played in his second straight All-Star Game, striking out in his only at-bat.[96]

Posey's offense regressed in 2013 following his 2012 MVP season, especially in the second half of the season where he hit just 3 home runs. However, he still finished with a solid .294 batting average, 15 home runs and 72 runs batted in.[97]

2014

[edit]

On July 13, 2014, Posey and pitcher Madison Bumgarner hit grand slams against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It marked the first time that they both hit home runs in the same game and it also marked the first time in Major League Baseball history that a catcher and a pitcher hit grand slams in the same game.[98] On August 29, 2014, in a 13–2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park (then known as AT&T Park), Posey went 5-for-5 in 6 innings, and became the only catcher in Giants franchise history to have two career five-hit games.[99]

Posey finished the 2014 season with a .311 batting average, 22 home runs, and 89 RBIs. In the 2014 World Series, the Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals in seven games, giving Posey his third championship in five years, before turning 28 years old.[100] This win made Posey the second player in Major League history after Pete Rose to win the Rookie of the Year, a League MVP, and three World Series championships.[101]

2015

[edit]

Posey caught Santiago Casilla's immaculate inning save in May 2015 against the Cincinnati Reds,[102] the first time that the Giants had struck out all three opposing batters in an inning on nine pitches since Trevor Wilson accomplished the feat in 1992.[103]

On June 9, 2015, Posey caught rookie Chris Heston's no-hitter against the New York Mets at Citi Field, including the final out, a strikeout. It marks the seventeenth no-hitter in Giants franchise history.[104] This was the third no-hitter during which Posey played catcher and the fourth overall, as he started at first base in Tim Lincecum's second career no-hitter.[105] This put him one behind the record for no-hitters caught, held by the Philadelphia Phillies' Carlos Ruiz and the Boston Red Sox' Jason Varitek, tied with several other players.[106]

On June 19, 2015, in a 9–5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, Posey hit a grand slam and stole a base, becoming the first Giants catcher in 112 years since Roger Bresnahan to accomplish the feat.[107] Four days later, in a 6–0 win over the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park, Posey hit another grand slam. On July 5, 2015, Posey was selected to his third career All-Star Game and was number one in voting for NL catchers.[108] On September 6, 2015, at Coors Field, in a 7–4 win over the Colorado Rockies, Posey hit his 100th career home run.[109]

On November 11, 2015, Posey was named winner of the 2015 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award, given to the best defensive catcher in MLB.[110] The following day, Posey was named winner of the 2015 National League Silver Slugger award at catcher.[111] Posey finished 2015 with a .318 batting average, 19 home runs, and 95 RBIs.[112]

2016

[edit]
Posey at the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Posey was selected by fan voting to start at catcher in the 2016 MLB All Star Game, Posey's fourth career MLB All-Star Game, the most all-time by a Giants catcher in franchise history. He was the catcher for battery mate Johnny Cueto, the second battery mate he started and caught for in the Midsummer Classic after teammate Matt Cain in 2012.[113]

On September 27, in a 12–3 win over the Colorado Rockies, Posey recorded the 1,000th hit of his career, a solo home run off of Germán Márquez.[114]

Posey finished the 2016 season with a .288 batting average, 14 home runs, and 80 RBIs. He also won his first Gold Glove Award.[115] This award broke Yadier Molina's eight-year streak of winning the award for a catcher. Posey's all-around defensive skills as a catcher were highly regarded,[116] including his pitch framing.[117]

2017

[edit]

While batting in the first inning in San Francisco's 2017 home opener, Posey was hit in the helmet by a 94 mph (151 km/h) pitch from Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taijuan Walker. Although Posey felt OK after receiving medical attention, Giants manager Bruce Bochy removed him from the game to undergo further tests.[118] He was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list the next day.[119]

From May 8–10, Posey hit home runs in three consecutive games against the New York Mets at Citi Field. On May 12, Posey hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 17th inning against the Cincinnati Reds after catching all 17 innings.[120] The home run set a new Giants franchise record for latest walk-off home run, surpassing the 16th-inning home run hit by Willie Mays on July 2, 1963.[121]

Owning a league-leading .339 batting average with ten home runs, Posey was named starting catcher for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, his third consecutive All-Star start.[122] He ended the season batting .320/.400/.462.[112] End of season awards for Posey included selection as catcher on Baseball America's All-MLB Team.[123]

2018

[edit]

Batting .285 with five home runs and 27 RBIs in 74 games before the All-Star break, Posey was named to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, but did not participate due to a hip injury.[124] On August 25, the Giants announced that Posey would have season-ending hip surgery and be out 6–8 months.[125] Posey's ability to hit for power had been compromised by the hip injury (which was a torn labrum) and the forty-five games before his season-ending surgery constituted the second-longest single season streak without hitting a home run in Posey's career.[126] He ended the season batting .284/.359/.382.[112] His 41 RBIs and five home runs over the course of the season were his fewest since 2015. Posey's baserunning was noticeably affected by the injury, and he had a career low percent of runners caught stealing. Bochy stated "I think we're doing the right thing by getting this taken care of so we can have him ready for next year".[127]

2019

[edit]

In 2019, he batted .257/.320/.368 with 43 runs, 7 home runs, and 38 RBIs in 405 at bats. Posey's[128] He missed time during the season with a hamstring strain and a concussion.[126] The homerless drought extended into the 2019 season and became the longest overall of his career, but it was broken on April 21 by Posey's first career home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates; this was his first home run since June 2018.[129] In September, Posey made the first sacrifice bunt of his career. During the season, Posey at times batted lower in the batting order than he had since 2010. Maria Guardado, writing for Major League Baseball, described the 2019 season as the worst offensive season of Posey's career. His defense, though, was still well-regarded.[130]

2020–2021

[edit]
Posey batting with the Giants during spring training in 2020

Posey opted out of playing in the shortened 2020 season, largely due to his ongoing adoption of premature twin girls and the COVID-19 pandemic.[131] Posey became the longest-tenured member of the Giants when he returned.[132] In 2021, on his first swing since the 2019 season, Posey hit a solo home run off Marco Gonzales.[133] Posey became the first player in franchise history to catch 1,000 games for the Giants.[134] He was an NL All Star; it was his 7th time as an All Star.[135][136]

In the 2021 regular season he batted .304/.390/.499, with his .889 OPS the second-highest of his career, with 68 runs, 18 home runs, and 56 RBIs in 395 at bats.[135] According to ESPN Stats & Info, he joins Lou Brock, Will Clark, Roberto Clemente, David Ortiz, and Kirby Puckett as the sixth and only players to hit .300 in their final seasons in MLB's divisional play era (1969–present). His .304 batting average is the highest ever by a catcher in their final season, making him the only catcher to bat over .300 in their final season. On defense, he caught 31.1% of attempted base-stealers, 4th-best in the NL.[135] At season-end, his .302 career batting average was 6th-highest among active players, and he was 4th of all active players in games played as a catcher, with 1,093.[135]

In Game 1 of the 2021 NLDS, Posey nearly became the first right-handed batter to homer into McCovey Cove as a 3–0 shot off of opposing starter Walker Buehler bounced off a water tower and then into the bay (a home run must enter the water on the fly to be considered a "splash hit").[137] The Giants ultimately lost the series 3–2 to the Dodgers.[138] He received the NL Silver Slugger award at catcher, his fifth overall Silver Slugger and his first since 2016, along with his second NL Comeback Player of the Year award.[139]

Posey announced his retirement from baseball on November 4, 2021, making him just the fifth player in the San Francisco era to spend his entire career with the Giants (minimum of 10 seasons), joining Jim Davenport (1958–1970), Scott Garrelts (1982–1991), Robby Thompson (1986–1996) and former battery mate Matt Cain (2005–2017).[140][141]

Career statistics

[edit]

In 1,371 games over 12 seasons, Posey posted a .302 batting average (1,500-for-4,970) with 663 runs, 293 doubles, 158 home runs, 729 RBI, 540 walks, .372 on-base percentage, and .460 slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .995 fielding percentage in 1093 games played as a catcher and a .995 fielding percentage in 229 games played at first base. In 58 postseason games, he hit .252 (57-for-226) with 18 runs, 6 doubles, 5 home runs, 25 RBI and 23 walks.[142]

International career

[edit]

Posey represented Team USA at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He appeared in four games during the tournament, posting a .267 batting average with two home runs and a .980 OPS.[143] Team USA went on to defeat Puerto Rico in the championship game, securing their first-ever World Baseball Classic title.[144]

Accomplishments and honors

[edit]
Posey with the Giants outside of the White House being honored by President Barack Obama during a ceremony honoring the team's 2012 World Series championship
Posey with the Giants inside the White House being honored by President Barack Obama during a ceremony honoring the team's 2014 World Series championship

The Giants have not reissued Posey's number 28.[145][146]

Championships
Title Times Dates
National League champion 3 2010, 2012, 2014
World Series champion 3 2010, 2012, 2014
World Baseball Classic champion 1 2017
Awards and Honors
Name of award Times Dates
All-MLB Team 1 2021[147]
American Baseball Coaches Association All America Team 1 2008[148]
Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Player of the Year 1 2008[149]
Consensus All-America Team 1 2008[150]
Baseball America College Player of the Year Award 1 2008[151]
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame N/A 2023[152]
Brooks Wallace Award 1 2008[153]
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper All America Team 1 2008[154]
Dick Howser Trophy 1 2008[155]
Fielding Bible Award at catcher 2 2015,[156] 2016[157]
Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame N/A 2018[158]
GIBBY/This Year in Baseball Awards for Best Rookie 1 2010[159]
Golden Spikes Award 1 2008[160]
Hank Aaron Award 1 2012[161]
Johnny Bench Award
Renamed to Buster Posey Award in 2019. 		1 2008[162]
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award 1 2019[163]
MLB All-Star 7 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021
MLB Player of the Month 1 July 2010[164]
MLB Player of the Week 3 July 11, 2010[165]
June 30, 2013[165]
September 7, 2014[165]
MLB Rookie of the Month 1 July 2010[166]
National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All America Team 1 2008[167]
National League Most Valuable Player 1 2012[168]
National League Rookie of the Year 1 2010[169]
Pepsi Clutch Performer of the Month 1 July 2010[170]
Players Choice Award for Outstanding Rookie 1 2010[171]
Players Choice Award for Comeback Player 2 2012,[171] 2021[171]
Rawlings Gold Glove Award at catcher 1 2016[172]
Silver Slugger Award at catcher 5 2012,[173] 2014,[173] 2015,[173] 2017,[173] 2021[173]
The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award 2 2012,[174] 2021[175]
Willie Mac Award 1 2012[176]
Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award 2 2015,[177] 2016[177]
National League statistical leader
Category Times Seasons
Batting champion 1 2012[142]
OPS+ 1 2012[142]
Wins Above Replacement 1 2012[142]

Post-playing career

[edit]

On May 7, 2022 at Oracle Park, the Giants organization, which ranged from alumni, coaches, executives, and former players, honored Posey in a pregame ceremony. Posey was also surrounded by his family. "Buster Posey Day" was broadcast live on local television on NBC Sports Bay Area.[178][179][180] On September 21, 2022, the Giants announced that Posey had joined the 30-member ownership group of the Giants and served on its board of directors.[181]

On September 4, 2024, third baseman Matt Chapman finalized a six-year, $151 million contract to stay with the Giants. Posey was active in finalizing the deal during the end of the 2024 season, having led contract negotiations.[182] On September 30, 2024, the Giants announced that Posey will be their new president of baseball operations following the firing of Farhan Zaidi.[183][184]

Personal life

[edit]

Posey married his wife, Kristen, in 2009.[185] They had twins (a son and a daughter) in 2011.[186] They adopted twin girls in 2020.[131] Posey and his family lived in the East Bay during his career.[187] After announcing his retirement, Posey and his wife sold their East Bay home and moved back to their home state of Georgia to be closer to their relatives, but then had a change of heart and returned to the Bay Area less than two years later.[188] Posey is a Methodist Christian and served as the baseball chapel representative for the Giants.[5][6] Posey's younger sister, Samantha, played softball for Valdosta State University.[189]

Posey is mentioned in American rapper and Giants fan E-40's eighteenth studio album The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4. Posey is mentioned in the second track song listed; "Bendin' Corners (Skee Skert)," which was produced by Lil Bonez:

Bendin' Corners (Skee Skert)

This thing go, for sho'ly
Only bustas I like, is Buster Posey

Activism

[edit]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 2016, Posey and his wife Kristen started the BP28 Foundation, focusing on helping pediatric cancer patients and raising funds for research and treatment. They have partnered with the V Foundation.[191]

In 2019, Posey was named the recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.[192]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Buster Posey

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from Grokipedia
Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey III (born March 27, 1987) is an American former professional baseball catcher and current Major League Baseball (MLB) executive, best known for his 12-season career with the San Francisco Giants, during which he helped lead the team to three World Series titles and earned numerous individual honors, including the 2012 National League Most Valuable Player Award.[1][2] Born in Leesburg, Georgia, Posey excelled in baseball at Florida State University, where he won the Atlantic Coast Conference batting triple crown in 2008 with a .463 average, 26 home runs, and 93 RBIs, earning him the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Giants.[3][1] He made his MLB debut on September 11, 2009, and quickly established himself as the Giants' primary catcher, posting a career batting average of .302 with 1,500 hits, 158 home runs, 729 RBIs, and an .831 on-base plus slugging percentage over 1,371 games, all spent with San Francisco.[1][2][4] Posey's tenure with the Giants was marked by exceptional defensive prowess behind the plate—he caught three no-hitters—and offensive consistency, highlighted by his 2012 batting title (.336 average) and five Silver Slugger Awards (2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017).[5][6][2][7] He was selected to seven All-Star Games (2010, 2012–2013, 2015–2018), won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2010 after hitting .305 with 18 home runs in his first full season, and captured a Gold Glove in 2016 for his elite fielding.[1][8] Posey's leadership was instrumental in the Giants' dynasty, contributing to World Series victories in 2010, 2012, and 2014; he is the second player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year, a league MVP, and three World Series championships.[5][6] Following his retirement at the end of the 2021 season, Posey transitioned to the Giants' front office, initially as a special advisor before being promoted to president of baseball operations on September 30, 2024, a role he continues to hold as of 2025, overseeing key decisions such as the hiring of manager Tony Vitello in October 2025 and offseason strategies focused on pitching acquisitions.[9][10][11] At 6 feet 1 inch and 213 pounds, Posey batted and threw right-handed, embodying a blend of power, precision, and clubhouse presence that solidified his legacy as one of the premier catchers of the 21st century.[1][2]

Early years

Early life

Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey III was born on March 27, 1987, in Leesburg, Georgia.[12] The nickname "Buster," by which he is universally known, originated from his father's own childhood moniker, bestowed by his grandmother and later passed down to distinguish the son from his father.[13] Posey was raised as the eldest of four siblings in a close-knit family that placed a high value on hard work and community involvement.[14] Posey's formative years were spent in the rural surroundings of Leesburg, where his family relocated to a 50-acre property when he was 10 years old.[15] This expansive rural environment, with a front yard large enough to serve as a makeshift ball field, played a key role in shaping his disciplined work ethic and appreciation for perseverance.[16] The agricultural lifestyle of southwest Georgia further influenced his grounded perspective, fostering a sense of responsibility from an early age.[17] Posey's introduction to baseball came during his childhood through participation in local youth leagues in the Leesburg area. At Lee County High School, he excelled as a shortstop and pitcher, earning All-State honors and being named Georgia's Mr. Baseball in 2005 after batting .487 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in his senior season, while also posting a 1.20 ERA on the mound.[18] These early experiences on dusty fields helped cultivate his passion for the sport and built the foundational skills that would define his athletic journey.[17]

College career

Posey enrolled at Florida State University in 2005 and joined the Seminoles baseball team under legendary head coach Mike Martin, beginning his collegiate career as a shortstop before transitioning to catcher during his sophomore season.[3][18] As a freshman in 2006, he started all 65 games, batting .346 with four home runs and 48 RBIs while earning Freshman All-American honors.[19] In 2007, his first full year behind the plate, Posey hit .382 with three home runs and 65 RBIs, helping the Seminoles secure strong Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) contention.[19] Posey's junior season in 2008 marked a breakout performance, as he posted a .463 batting average—setting a Florida State single-season record—along with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs, leading NCAA Division I in hitting, on-base percentage (.566), and slugging (.879).[3][20] He captured the ACC batting triple crown by leading the conference in average, home runs, and RBIs, becoming just the fourth player in league history to achieve the feat, and was named ACC Player of the Year after topping the conference in eight statistical categories.[3] His offensive dominance, combined with elite catching skills that included a .983 fielding percentage and strong game management, earned him the Brooks Wallace Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher.[8][21] Posey's leadership propelled Florida State to the 2008 College World Series, the program's first appearance in Omaha since 2000, where he batted .474 with five home runs in the Tallahassee Regional.[22] That year, Posey swept college baseball's premier individual honors, winning the Golden Spikes Award as USA Baseball's Player of the Year, the Dick Howser Trophy as the top overall player, and the Johnny Bench Award for the nation's best catcher.[22][23] These accolades highlighted his transformation into one of the most complete players in Seminoles history, blending power hitting with defensive prowess that set benchmarks for catchers at Florida State.[3]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The San Francisco Giants selected Buster Posey fifth overall in the first round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft out of Florida State University, where his standout college performance, including a .463 batting average and the Golden Spikes Award, positioned him as the top catcher prospect.[24] He was the first catcher taken in the draft, ahead of later selections like Kyle Skipworth and Max Stassi.[25] Posey signed with the Giants on August 15, 2008, receiving a $6.2 million signing bonus, the largest for a college player at the time.[26] Upon signing late in the 2008 season, Posey received an initial assignment to the Giants' rookie-level Arizona League affiliate, where he appeared in limited action, batting .351 over 10 games while splitting time behind the plate and at first base.[27] He also played briefly for the short-season Class A Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and participated in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League, honing his skills in 19 games with a .338 average.[28] These early professional outings focused on his transition to the demands of catching in a pro environment, including game calling and physical endurance, though his sample size remained small that year. In 2009, Posey began the season with the High-A San Jose Giants of the California League, where he excelled with a .302 batting average, 12 home runs, and 67 RBIs over 80 games, earning California League All-Star honors and helping lead the team to a first-half division title.[29] On July 13, he was promoted directly to Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League, bypassing Double-A entirely—a rare fast track for a catcher prospect—after the Giants cleared space by advancing other top talents.[30] In 35 games with Fresno, Posey hit .371 with six home runs, contributing to an overall minor league batting average of .325 across 115 games that season, along with 18 home runs and 80 RBIs.[27] His rapid progression highlighted his adaptability to professional pitching and defensive responsibilities, culminating in his recognition as the 2009 Topps Minor League Player of the Year.[29]

San Francisco Giants career

Buster Posey made his MLB debut on September 11, 2009, appearing in 7 games that season before returning to the minors. He joined the San Francisco Giants' major league roster full-time on May 29, 2010, following a strong minor league season, and quickly established himself as the team's primary catcher with an immediate impact in his rookie year. In 2010, he batted .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs over 108 games, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award and playing a pivotal role in the Giants' World Series championship that season, where he hit .300 in the postseason.[31] His performance behind the plate was equally notable, as he helped anchor a pitching staff that included future Hall of Famers.[5] The following year, Posey's career faced a major setback on May 25, 2011, when he suffered a fractured fibula and torn ligaments in his ankle during a home plate collision with Florida Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and prompting MLB to adopt the "Posey Rule" to protect catchers.[32] Posey returned in 2012 with a dominant season, batting .336 with 178 hits and 103 RBIs, which earned him the NL MVP award and contributed significantly to the Giants' second World Series title in three years, including a grand slam in the NLDS.[33][2] From 2013 to 2014, Posey maintained consistent production, earning All-Star selections both years and delivering key hits in the Giants' 2014 World Series victory, their third championship in five seasons with him as a cornerstone.[1] In the later years from 2015 to 2019, recurring injuries, including a 2018 hip surgery that required a six-month recovery, led to a gradual transition to first base to preserve his health, during which he earned All-Star selections in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 and two additional Silver Slugger awards (2015, 2017).[2][34] Posey opted out of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season to focus on his family after adopting premature twin girls.[35] Returning for a final campaign in 2021, Posey batted .304 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs in 113 games, helping lead the Giants to 107 wins before announcing his retirement on November 4, 2021, at age 34 after 12 seasons.[36] Throughout his tenure, Posey was renowned for his defensive prowess behind the plate, throwing out 33 percent of attempted base stealers—well above the league average—and holding the Giants' franchise record for career caught stealing percentage among catchers.[37][2]

Career statistics

Buster Posey concluded his 12-season Major League Baseball career with impressive offensive production, compiling 1,500 hits in 1,322 games while batting .302 with a .372 on-base percentage, 158 home runs, and 729 runs batted in.[2] His slugging percentage stood at .460, yielding an overall OPS of .832.[1]
StatisticValue
Games Played1,322
At-Bats4,970
Hits1,500
Home Runs158
RBI729
Batting Average.302
On-Base Percentage.372
Slugging Percentage.460
OPS.832
As a primary catcher, Posey excelled defensively, recording 8,359 putouts over 1,093 games behind the plate and maintaining a career caught stealing percentage of 33%, which exceeded the league average of 27% during his era and ranked among the highest for active catchers at the time of his 2021 retirement.[38][37] In the postseason, Posey appeared in 58 games, batting .252 with 5 home runs and 25 RBI, including key hits that helped clinch World Series victories for the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014.[39] Advanced metrics underscore Posey's value as a well-rounded catcher, with a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 44.9 according to Baseball-Reference, placing him 32nd all-time among players who primarily caught and comparable to Hall of Famers like Carlton Fisk (52.5 WAR) in per-season impact despite a shorter career.[2] His defensive WAR (dWAR) totaled 10.1, reflecting strong contributions behind the plate.[40] Posey's performance evolved over his career, with batting average peaking at .336 in 2012 before stabilizing around .300 in later seasons, home run output reaching a high of 24 that year and averaging 13 annually thereafter, and defensive value highlighted by caught stealing percentages that topped 40% in multiple seasons like 2010 (44.0%) and 2015 (35.3%).[2]
YearBatting AverageHome RunsCaught Stealing %
2009.167033.3
2010.3051844.0
2012.3362425.0
2014.3112225.0
2017.3201225.0
2021.304180.0 (limited)

International career

Early appearances

Buster Posey's international career began in 2004 at age 17, when he was selected to the USA Baseball 18U National Team for the IBAF Junior World Championships held in Taipei, Taiwan, from September 5-12.[41] As one of 18 players chosen from trials, Posey joined a roster featuring future major leaguers such as Andrew McCutchen, Justin Upton, and Jon Niese, marking his first exposure to competitive international play.[41] He contributed as a versatile utility player, primarily serving as the backup third baseman behind Brandon Snyder while also pitching in two starts.[18] In limited action, Posey batted .200 (1-for-5) with one RBI across three games, showcasing his adaptability early in his baseball journey. On the mound, he recorded a 0-1 mark with a 1.23 ERA over 7.1 innings, allowing six hits and one earned run while striking out seven—impressive for a high school senior transitioning to professional prospects.[42] Team USA compiled a 3-3 record, advancing to the semifinals before securing fourth place overall after a 5-10 loss to South Korea in the bronze medal game; their victories included shutouts against Venezuela (9-0) and a narrow 2-1 win over host Chinese Taipei.[43] This tournament provided Posey with crucial experience in high-stakes international environments, honing his skills under pressure and fostering team chemistry with emerging talents who would later share major league fields.[41] The exposure complemented his developing career, bridging his high school achievements at Lee County High School to his standout college tenure at Florida State University.[44]

2017 World Baseball Classic

Buster Posey served as the starting catcher for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, a role that highlighted his experience from prior international appearances.[45] Under manager Jim Leyland, Posey anchored the defense behind the plate as the United States advanced through pool play in Miami and the semifinals in Los Angeles, ultimately defeating Puerto Rico 8-0 in the championship game at Dodger Stadium to claim the nation's first WBC title. His contributions were instrumental in the team's success, blending offensive contributions with reliable handling of a deep pitching rotation that included Marcus Stroman and Andrew Miller. During the tournament, Posey batted .267 (4-for-15) with two home runs and four RBIs across four games played.[46][47] One pivotal moment came in the second-round pool game against Puerto Rico on March 17, where his solo home run in the fifth inning cut the deficit to 4-2, though the U.S. fell 6-5 in that matchup; Posey also homered earlier against Canada in a 8-0 win on March 12, driving in three runs in that contest.[48][49] These power displays provided crucial momentum, complementing his steady presence at the plate amid a lineup featuring stars like Nolan Arenado and Giancarlo Stanton. Posey's defensive prowess shone through as the primary catcher, where he managed the pitching staff with precision, calling games that limited opponents to a tournament-low ERA of 2.16 for Team USA.[50] His ability to frame pitches and control the running game—evident in zero stolen bases allowed in his starts—helped pitchers like Stroman excel, contributing to the shutout victory in the final. Teammates and analysts praised his leadership in the battery, noting how he balanced aggressive sequencing with situational awareness to neutralize international hitters.[50] Entering the event, Posey managed a minor stiff neck that briefly sidelined him in Giants spring training, but he reported feeling fully recovered by the tournament's start.[51] Post-tournament, Posey reflected on the challenges of juggling WBC commitments with San Francisco Giants obligations, stating he would participate again despite the physical toll and scheduling conflicts, emphasizing the unique camaraderie and national pride as outweighing the demands.[47][52]

Awards and honors

Individual awards

Buster Posey's accolades began during his college career at Florida State University, where he earned national recognition as one of the top players in the nation. In 2008, his junior year, Posey won the Golden Spikes Award as the outstanding amateur baseball player in the United States, along with the Dick Howser Trophy as the top collegiate player. These honors highlighted his transition from a standout shortstop to a premier catcher, setting the stage for his professional success after being selected fifth overall in the 2008 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants.[53][22] Upon entering Major League Baseball, Posey quickly established himself as an elite catcher, earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2010. Selected unanimously by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, Posey batted .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI in 108 games, helping to anchor the Giants' lineup during his debut season. This award marked the first of many individual honors, underscoring his immediate impact behind the plate and at the plate.[54] Posey's excellence peaked in 2012 when he captured the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Batting .336 with 24 home runs, 103 RBI, and leading the league with a .336 average to win the batting title, Posey received 27 of 32 first-place votes from the BBWAA, edging out Milwaukee's Ryan Braun. His performance that year, following a severe injury in 2011, exemplified resilience and dominance, making him the first Giants catcher to win MVP since Buster Posey himself in that role. Additionally, he received the Willie Mac Award in 2012, the Giants' honor for the team's most inspirational player, voted by players, coaches, and staff for his comeback story.[33][55] Posey was selected to seven All-Star Games during his career, representing the National League in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021. His selections reflected consistent offensive production and defensive prowess at catcher, with multiple appearances as a starter, including fan-voted starts in 2015 and 2016. He also earned five Silver Slugger Awards, recognizing him as the top-hitting catcher in the NL in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2021; these honors were based on voting by managers and coaches for superior offensive stats at his position. In 2016, Posey won the National League Gold Glove Award for his elite fielding as a catcher.[2][56][57] Beyond on-field achievements, Posey received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 2020 from the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, honoring the MLB player who best exemplifies Lou Gehrig's character through integrity, service, and philanthropy. The award recognized Posey's leadership in raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research via his Posey Family Foundation, as well as his embodiment of sportsmanship during a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This accolade tied into his broader contributions, bridging his playing career with off-field impact.[58]

Team accomplishments

Buster Posey played a pivotal role in the San Francisco Giants' three World Series championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014, forming the core of what became known as the team's dynasty during that era.[59][9] As the primary catcher, Posey managed a rotation that included ace pitchers like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner, contributing to the Giants' postseason success through his game-calling and defensive stability.[59] In the 2010 postseason, Posey, a rookie, caught every inning across 15 playoff games as the Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers to claim the franchise's first World Series title since 1954.[2] His handling of the pitching staff helped limit opponents to a 2.62 ERA in the World Series, securing a 4-1 series victory.[60] The following year, the Giants finished second in the NL West but made a brief playoff appearance as wild card entrants, though they were eliminated in the Division Series by the Phillies.[60] The 2012 campaign saw Posey anchor the Giants during an improbable playoff run, starting with a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the NLDS highlighted by his grand slam in Game 5 that propelled San Francisco to a 6-4 win and advanced them to the NLCS.[61] Facing a 3-1 deficit against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS, the Giants rallied to win the next three games, with Posey's steady catching supporting a staff ERA of 2.47 in the series.[60] They then swept the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, where Posey's leadership behind the plate complemented the pitching dominance that held Detroit to a .159 batting average.[62] Posey's performance that year earned him the National League MVP award, underscoring his impact on the team's second title in three seasons.[63] By 2014, Posey had emerged as a veteran leader in the Giants' third championship run, catching in all 17 postseason games as they overcame the Washington Nationals and Cardinals before defeating the Kansas City Royals in a seven-game World Series.[2] His game management was instrumental in the playoff pitching staff's 2.82 ERA, including Bumgarner's legendary efforts.[60] Posey's career postseason catcher's ERA of 2.71 ranks fourth all-time among catchers with at least 200 innings caught, reflecting his enduring influence on the Giants' dynasty.[59] Beyond the championship years, Posey contributed to additional team successes, including the 2015 wild card berth where the Giants defeated the New York Mets in the one-game playoff before falling in the NLDS, and the 2016 NL West division title with 87 wins, though they lost to the Nationals in the Division Series.[60] In 2021, the Giants won the NL West division with 107 wins, advancing past the Mets in the Wild Card Game but exiting in the NLDS against the Dodgers.[60] These runs extended Posey's legacy in sustaining the Giants' competitiveness throughout his career.[9]

Post-playing career

Ownership involvement

Following his retirement from playing in November 2021, Buster Posey transitioned into organizational roles with the San Francisco Giants, beginning with youth coaching for his children's Little League team in early 2022.[64] On September 21, 2022, Posey joined the Giants' 30-member ownership group as its 31st principal partner and the first former player to do so, purchasing a minority stake in the franchise with his personal funds without disclosing the exact percentage.[65][66] At 35 years old, he became the youngest member of the group, which values the team at over $3 billion, and expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the organization's ongoing success and legacy as a three-time World Series champion.[67][68] In his initial ownership capacity, Posey served on the Giants' board of directors, one of six members providing advisory input on franchise matters, including minor influences on baseball operations decisions.[69] This role marked a deliberate shift from his on-field contributions to an executive perspective, allowing him to leverage his deep knowledge of the team's culture and history to support long-term stability and competitiveness.[70] Posey's entry into ownership underscored his commitment to the Giants' franchise legacy, as he aimed to help sustain the winning tradition that defined his playing career.[65]

Role as President of Baseball Operations

Buster Posey was appointed as the San Francisco Giants' president of baseball operations on September 30, 2024, succeeding Farhan Zaidi following the team's disappointing 2024 campaign.[71][72] In this executive role entering the 2025 season, Posey oversaw all aspects of player acquisition, roster construction, and on-field strategy, marking his transition from part-owner to full-time leader of baseball operations.[73] Under Posey's direction, the Giants concluded the 2025 regular season with an 81-81 record, finishing third in the National League West and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.[74] Key moves included a midseason trade deadline push focused on bolstering the farm system, such as acquiring prospects Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell in deals that emphasized long-term depth over immediate contention.[75] Posey also prioritized international scouting, undertaking a discreet trip to Japan early in the year to evaluate talent, which positioned the organization to pursue high-upside pitchers like Hiroto Saiki and Tatsuya Imai in the subsequent offseason.[76][77] Posey's strategic vision centered on rebuilding the pitching staff and enhancing player development to foster sustainable competitiveness. He emphasized fortifying the starting rotation, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency, and overhauling the bullpen by targeting experienced relievers to address late-inning vulnerabilities.[78][79] Investments in minor league infrastructure and analytics-driven evaluation were highlighted as core to nurturing young talent, with Posey drawing on his playing experience to align scouting with organizational needs. In October 2025, following the season's end, Posey led the search for a new manager after the Giants parted ways with Bob Melvin, whose two-year tenure yielded a 161-163 record, resulting in the hiring of Tony Vitello, the former University of Tennessee coach, on October 22.[80][81][82] Despite entering 2025 with raised expectations from Posey's hiring, the Giants' failure to reach the postseason underscored challenges in integrating new acquisitions and overcoming divisional rivals. Posey acknowledged the bullpen's unreliability and rotation gaps as primary shortcomings, while expressing optimism for 2026 contention through targeted free-agent pursuits and continued development.[83][84]

Life outside baseball

Personal life

Buster Posey married his college sweetheart, Kristen Phillips, in January 2009.[1] The couple welcomed fraternal twins, daughters Addison Lynn and Lee Dempsey, on August 15, 2011.[85] In July 2020, they adopted another set of twin girls, Ada and Livvi, who were born at 32 weeks gestation (eight weeks premature).[86][87][88] Following his retirement from playing in November 2021, Posey and his family relocated from their native Georgia back to the Bay Area, settling in the East Bay suburb of Lafayette, where they had lived during his Giants career.[89] He has spoken about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, including being more present for his daughters' daily lives and activities after years of balancing MLB demands with family time.[90] Posey's personal interests include outdoor pursuits such as hunting and ranching, which echo his rural upbringing in Leesburg, Georgia.[91] He has owned properties like a 106-acre hunting ranch in Oroville, California, sold in 2022, and more recently acquired the expansive 4,129-acre Six Point Ranch spanning Lake and Mendocino counties in 2024 for $10.4 million, where he enjoys farm life and family-oriented outdoor experiences; however, the purchase displaced a children's hunting camp, forcing it to relocate.[92][93] In May 2011, Posey suffered a severe injury during a game when he collided with Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins at home plate, fracturing his right fibula and tearing three ankle ligaments, which required surgery and sidelined him for the entire season.[94] His recovery involved intensive rehabilitation, allowing a strong return in 2012, though the injury had lingering effects on his mobility in subsequent years.[95] Posey's family experiences have also motivated his philanthropic efforts focused on pediatric cancer research.[96]

Philanthropy

In 2016, Buster Posey and his wife Kristen founded the BP28 Foundation, inspired by their attendance at the Dick Vitale Gala, with a primary focus on raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and patient support.[97][98] The foundation partners with organizations such as the V Foundation for Cancer Research and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals to advance pioneering treatments and provide direct assistance to affected families.[99][100] By 2025, the BP28 Foundation had raised more than $7 million, enabling contributions to research initiatives.[101] Key efforts include annual galas at Oracle Park in partnership with the San Francisco Giants, which have generated substantial funds—such as $1.3 million from the 2025 event alone—and ballpark programs offering experiences for pediatric patients and their families in the Bay Area.[101][102] Posey has actively participated in hospital visits to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and other facilities, providing encouragement to young patients battling cancer and highlighting the foundation's commitment to both emotional support and medical advancements.[103][104] His philanthropic work earned him the 2020 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award from the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, recognizing his character and dedication to community service through pediatric cancer initiatives.[58] Beyond the foundation's core mission, Posey has supported broader Bay Area community programs, including Giants-led efforts to promote youth engagement and awareness around health issues.[105]

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  61. Forever Giant: Buster Posey Joins San Francisco Ownership Group
  62. Three-time champ Buster Posey becomes first former player to join ...
  63. Posey becomes first ex-player to join Giants ownership group
  64. Giants Fire Farhan Zaidi, Name Buster Posey President Of Baseball ...
  65. How Buster Posey's new Giants ownership role will help Farhan Zaidi
  66. Ex-Giants C Buster Posey replaces Zaidi as prez of baseball ops
  67. Giants hire former catcher Buster Posey as president of baseball ...
  68. Buster Posey introduced as Giants president of baseball operations
  69. 2025 San Francisco Giants Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
  70. How the Giants evaluate the 7 prospects they acquired at the trade ...
  71. Buster Posey's stealthy trip to Japan early in 2025 could pay off big ...
  72. San Francisco Giants Interested in Acquiring Japanese Superstar
  73. Buster Posey's priority is pitching. Here's who Giants could pursue
  74. For Giants, key offseason target is pitching depth - MLB.com
  75. Giants dismiss Melvin as manager with year left on contract - MLB.com
  76. Giants fire manager Bob Melvin after disappointing 2025 season
  77. Why the Giants fell short of winning record, MLB playoffs in 2025
  78. Buster Posey plans to spend Giants' offseason focused on pitching ...
  79. Buster Posey Twins Born: Giants Catcher Officially A Dad (VIDEO)
  80. 'Overwhelmed with joy': Buster Posey reveals his reason for opting ...
  81. Retired Giants catcher Buster Posey going back to school to finish ...
  82. Buster Posey Gave the Giants His All. Now, He's Focusing on Family.
  83. Buster Posey reportedly buys Mendocino County ranch famed for ...
  84. SF Giants legend Buster Posey buys famed Northern California ranch
  85. How Buster Posey saw 'silver lining' in devastating 2011 injury at ...
  86. Buster Posey's Ankle Appears Healthy But Remains A Concern For ...
  87. Posey Family Foundation takes on pediatric cancer
  88. Why pediatric cancer has been charity focus for Buster Posey
  89. About BP28
  90. Buster Posey - V Foundation
  91. 'Millions' of children helped by Buster Posey's cancer research ...
  92. Posey, Giants raise $1.3M for pediatric cancer research at Oracle Park
  93. Buster & Kristen Posey BP28
  94. Giants' Buster Posey visits cancer patients - MLB.com
  95. Archive: MEDIA ADVISORY: Buster Posey to Visit UCSF Patients in ...
  96. Pediatric Cancer | San Francisco Giants - MLB.com
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