Piazza, New York Catcher

Slugger extraordinaire Mike Piazza announced his retirement this week. Though drafted in the 62nd round (who knew there were that many?), he emerged over a 16-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets to be almost certainly the best-hitting catcher of all time, with 427 home runs and a career batting average of .308.

Less likely to be mentioned during his 2013 Cooperstown induction: he’s also the subject of “Piazza, New York Catcher,” a very twee ditty by the wonderful Scottish chamber-pop ensemble Belle & Sebastian. It was a highlight of their 2003 album Dear Catastrophe Waitress. The album was a much-needed expansion of their unique sound, courtesy of producer/ex-Buggle Trevor Horn.


This lovely acoustic number addresses, in addition to adolescent yearnings, the long-standing rumour that the married Mr. Piazza is a quote-unquote switch hitter. The song was also used to excellent effect in the most excellente movie Juno.

Mike Piazza is a class act who worked his tail off, let his bat and glove do the talking and retired quietly with dignity. He will be missed from the game. Roger Clemens hated him – what more do you really need to know?

mp3: Belle & Sebastian, "Piazza, New York Catcher" Dear Catastrophe Waitress