José Molina, a Puerto Rican professional baseball catcher, spent his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with several teams, showcasing his skills behind the plate. Born on June 3, 1975, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Molina was part of a baseball family, with his brothers Bengie and Yadier also playing as catchers in the MLB. José's career began when he was signed by the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 1993. However, it was with the Anaheim Angels that he made his MLB debut on September 6, 1999.
Molina's tenure with the Angels lasted until 2007. During this period, he was known for his defensive prowess and ability to handle pitchers effectively. While his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive skills were highly valued. In 2002, Molina was part of the Angels team that won the World Series, although his role was primarily as a backup catcher to his brother Bengie.
In July 2007, Molina was traded to the New York Yankees, where he continued to serve as a reliable defensive catcher. His time with the Yankees was marked by his ability to mentor young pitchers and provide stability behind the plate. Molina's defensive acumen was further highlighted by his ability to throw out base stealers and manage the game from a catcher's perspective.
After his stint with the Yankees, Molina signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. With the Blue Jays, he continued to be a steady presence behind the plate, sharing catching duties and providing veteran leadership. Molina's experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the teams he played for, particularly in guiding younger players.
In 2012, Molina joined the Tampa Bay Rays, where he played until the end of his MLB career in 2014. With the Rays, he continued to be recognized for his defensive capabilities and game-calling skills. Molina's ability to work with pitchers and his understanding of the game were key aspects of his role with the team.
Throughout his career, José Molina was known for his defensive skills, particularly his strong arm and ability to manage a pitching staff.
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