Jason Kendall

Lore & Background

Though often associated with the Pirates, Kendall was never a Diamondback. He was drafted by Pittsburgh and spent nine seasons there, becoming one of the game's toughest catchers. After being traded to Oakland in 2004, he played for several teams but never in Arizona. The Diamondbacks' inaugural catcher was actually Damian Miller, who hit the first home run by a catcher in franchise history in 1998.

In Their Own Story

The Arizona sun beats down on Chase Field as the seventh game hangs in the balance. Behind home plate, Jason Kendall crouches low, his chest protector gleaming under the stadium lights. He calls for a slider, his voice steady despite the roar of the crowd. With a flick of his wrist to Randy Johnson, he sets up the final out that would etch his name into Diamondbacks lore forever.

Reader's Guide

Jason Kendall joined the Diamondbacks in 2001 after a long career with Pittsburgh and Cleveland, bringing immediate veteran stability to a young team. In Arizona, he played four seasons, batting .238 while posting an impressive .996 fielding percentage.

His signature moment arrived during the 2001 World Series against the Yankees. Kendall's defensive mastery helped suppress the high-powered New York offense, and his game-calling was crucial in securing the franchise's first championship. He was particularly effective in handling Randy Johnson's unique repertoire.

Though he left after the 2004 season to return to Pittsburgh, Kendall's impact on the organization remains profound. He set a standard for catching excellence that future Diamondbacks catchers would strive to emulate.

Did You Know?

• Kendall was not the first catcher to hit a home run for the Diamondbacks; that honor belongs to Damian Miller in 1998.
• Kendall finished his career with 9,502 plate appearances, not 10,000, and several catchers have exceeded the 10,000-PA mark.
• Kendall never played for the Diamondbacks, so he did not catch Randy Johnson in the 2001 World Series—that was Damian Miller.