John Wathan was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for 10 seasons. He was primarily a catcher but also played some outfield and first base. Wathan was known for his defensive skills and his ability to handle pitchers.
Wathan was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1971 and made his Major League debut in 1976. He quickly established himself as a reliable backup catcher and was known for his strong arm and quick release. Wathan played in the 1980 World Series with the Royals, where he hit .333 in limited playing time.
In 1982, Wathan became the Royals' starting catcher and had a career year, hitting .305 with 8 home runs and 56 RBI. He was named to the All-Star team that year and finished 11th in the American League MVP voting. Wathan continued to be a solid contributor for the Royals over the next few seasons, but injuries began to take their toll and he saw his playing time decrease.
After the 1985 season, Wathan was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He played two seasons with the Phillies, primarily as a backup catcher and pinch hitter. Wathan retired after the 1992 season with a career batting average of .262 and 36 home runs.
After his playing career, Wathan went on to become a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He managed the Royals' Triple-A affiliate from 1995-1997 and was named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year in 1997. Wathan also served as a coach for the Royals and the Seattle Mariners.
Overall, John Wathan had a solid Major League career as a catcher and was known for his defensive skills and ability to handle pitchers. He was a key contributor to the Royals' success in the 1980s and went on to have a successful career as a coach and manager in the minor leagues.
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