One of the rites of passage when rosters expand to 40 players is the inevitable addition of a third catcher. Teams typically carry just two catchers throughout the year, but September rolls around and teams figure, "They're giving us the ability to carry 40 live bodies, so why not carry a third catcher - just in case." The Phillies have followed suit with this practice and each September sees the addition of a third catcher who will be used sparingly, if at all. I thought I'd look back over the past decade to see which catchers served in this highly under appreciated role. Here's Part 1:2000 - Gary Bennett was added and later Clemente Alvarez joined him when Mike Lieberthal's season ended early due to injury. Bennett had previously appeared with the Phils in parts of four seasons from 1995-1999. Upon his call-up in September 2000, he became the team's primary catcher due to Lieby's injury. Alvarez appeared in just two games with the Phils, starting the final game of the 2000 campaign.
2001 - Matt Walbeck had one at-bat as a pinch-hitter on September 30th, singling against the Marlins' Antonio Alfonseca.
2002 - Johnny Estrada, who had seen regular playing time in 2001, played in just 10 games for the 2002 Phillies, managing a .118 average. He was traded to the Braves a few months later for Kevin Millwood.
2003 - Kelly Stinnett was acquired on August 31st from the Reds, prior to the Postseason roster deadline. He actually performed well down the stretch, hitting .429 mainly as a pinch-hitter. He caught four innings of the Phils' September 9th game against the Braves.
2004 - A.J. Hinch made it into four September games with the 2004 Phillies, hitting just .182.
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