Erik Kratz is a former professional baseball player who played as a catcher for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams during his career. Kratz was born on June 15, 1980, in Telford, Pennsylvania, and attended Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He then went on to attend Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he played college baseball for the Eastern Mennonite Royals.
Kratz began his professional baseball career in 2002 when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the MLB draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues for various teams before making his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010. Kratz played in 34 games for the Pirates that season, hitting .118 with one home run and four RBIs.
Over the next several years, Kratz bounced around between several different MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers. He was primarily used as a backup catcher and played in a total of 347 MLB games over the course of his career.
Despite never being a full-time starter, Kratz was known for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle a pitching staff. He was also a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse and was known for his leadership and work ethic.
Kratz had several memorable moments during his career, including hitting a home run in his first at-bat with the Phillies in 2011 and hitting two home runs in a playoff game for the Brewers in 2018. He also played in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game as a member of the American League team.
Kratz announced his retirement from professional baseball in December 2020, ending a 19-year career in the sport. He finished his career with a .205 batting average, 31 home runs, and 101 RBIs in 347 games played.
Off the field, Kratz was known for his strong Christian faith and his involvement in various charitable organizations. He and his wife, Sarah, have four children together and are active in their local church community.
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