50 Facts About Buster Posey

Early Life and High School Achievements

Buster Posey's journey to baseball stardom began in a small town in Georgia. His early life and high school years were filled with remarkable achievements that hinted at his future greatness.

1. Early Life: Born Gerald Dempsey Posey III on March 27, 1987, in Leesburg, Georgia, Buster grew up in a family of four children. His father, Gerald Posey Jr., was a high school football coach, while his mother, Barbara, was a homemaker.

2. High School Sports: Posey excelled in four sports during high school: baseball, football, basketball, and golf. His talent in baseball, particularly in hitting and pitching, stood out.

3. High School Achievements: In high school, Posey was homecoming king, graduated fourth in his class, and threw a 95-mile-per-hour fastball. He also holds the Lee County High School record for home runs.

4. Hometown Legacy: The Little League field in Leesburg now bears his name, a testament to his hometown legacy and the impact he has had on his community.

College Baseball and Draft Selection

Posey's college years at Florida State University were pivotal in shaping his career. His transition from shortstop to catcher and his impressive performance caught the attention of Major League scouts.

5. College Baseball: Posey attended Florida State University, where he played college baseball for the Seminoles under coach Mike Martin. He started as a shortstop but later transitioned to catcher.

6. College Achievements: During his time at Florida State, Posey was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American and finished his freshman season with a .346 batting average, four home runs, and 48 RBI. As a sophomore, he moved to catcher and batted .382 with three home runs and 65 RBI.

7. Awards and Recognition: Posey won the Golden Spikes Award and the Brooks Wallace Award in 2008, which are prestigious awards given to the best college baseball player and best college catcher, respectively.

8. Draft Selection: In the 2008 MLB Draft, Posey was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the fifth overall pick. He received a $6.2 million signing bonus, the largest up-front bonus in Giants history.

Professional Debut and Rookie Season

Posey's transition to Major League Baseball was seamless. His debut and rookie season were filled with impressive performances that set the stage for his illustrious career.

9. Professional Debut: Posey made his Major League Baseball debut on September 11, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants. He initially played first base due to the presence of Bengie Molina but became the team's regular catcher in June 2010.

10. Rookie Season: As a rookie, Posey finished with a .305 batting average, 18 home runs, and 67 runs batted in (RBIs). He caught every inning of the playoffs as the Giants won the 2010 World Series. He was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year.

Injury and Rule Changes

Posey's career faced a significant challenge in 2011 when he suffered a severe injury. This incident led to important rule changes in Major League Baseball to protect catchers.

11. Injury and Recovery: In 2011, Posey suffered a severe injury in a collision with Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins at home plate. This incident led to Major League Baseball adopting rule 7.13, informally known as the "Buster Posey Rule," to protect catchers from such collisions.

12. Influence on Rule Changes: The collision with Scott Cousins in 2011 led to significant rule changes in Major League Baseball. The new rule aims to protect catchers from such collisions, a direct result of Posey’s injury.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Posey's career is marked by numerous milestones and achievements, including multiple World Series championships, MVP awards, and Gold Glove Awards.

13. Career Milestones: Posey has played in four no-hitters in his career, catching three of them. He is the second player in MLB history, after Pete Rose, to win the Rookie of the Year, a League MVP, and three World Series championships.

14. Batting Titles: In 2012, Posey batted .336 to win the NL batting title. He was also voted the 2012 NL MVP, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the league.

15. World Series Championships: Posey has won three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants: in 2010, 2012, and 2014. His contributions both offensively and defensively have been vital in these championship runs.

16. Contract Extension: In 2013, Posey signed an eight-year, $167 million contract extension with the Giants, which was a franchise-record deal at the time.

17. Golden Glove Awards: For his exceptional defensive skills, Posey has been honored with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award multiple times in his career. This award recognizes the top defensive players in Major League Baseball.

18. All-Star Selections: Throughout his career, Posey has been selected for the MLB All-Star Game multiple times, showcasing his consistent performance and popularity among fans and fellow players.

19. Batting Average: Posey has a career batting average over .300, with an impressive .302 average throughout his career. His ability to make solid contact with the ball and produce timely hits has earned him respect throughout the league.

20. Comeback Player Awards: Despite injuries, Posey has been recognized for his resilience. He won the Bounceback Player of the Year award in 2012 and was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

Leadership and Work Ethic

Posey's leadership and work ethic have been instrumental in the success of the San Francisco Giants. His dedication to the game and his teammates is widely recognized.

21. Leadership and Work Ethic: Posey is known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities. He has been an instrumental part of the Giants' success, often leading by example and inspiring his teammates.

22. Defensive Skills: Posey’s ability to excel behind the plate as a catcher has earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive players in the game. He has won multiple Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive skills.

23. Leadership Role: As a catcher, Posey has taken on a leadership role within the team. His calm demeanor and exceptional defensive skills have made him a valuable asset to any team.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond his baseball career, Posey is known for his commitment to his family and community. His charitable endeavors and personal values make him a role model both on and off the field.

24. Personal Life: Posey married his high school sweetheart, Kristen, in 2009. They have three children and live near San Francisco during the season but return to Leesburg, Georgia, during the off-season.

25. Family Values: Posey is a homebody and prioritizes family life. He is competitive at all times and still corrects his wife’s grammar, showing his dedication to both his career and personal life.

26. Family Support: Kristen Posey has been a constant source of support throughout Buster’s career. She has often spoken about his dedication to family life and how he balances his professional and personal responsibilities.

27. Community Involvement: Beyond his playing career, Posey is known for his charitable endeavors. He has been involved in various community programs and has supported several charitable organizations.

28. Community Recognition: The Little League field in Leesburg now bears his name, a testament to his community recognition and the impact he has had on his hometown. This honor reflects his enduring legacy in the area.

29. Marketing and Sponsorships: With his all-American good looks and impeccable baseball pedigree, Posey is a marketer’s dream. He has sponsors such as PlayStation, Under Armour, and Toyota.

30. Promotional Spots: The Giants created a promotional spot called “Mi Amor” starring Posey and Sergio Romo, which could potentially lead to a career in Spanish soap operas if he ever leaves baseball.

Legacy and Future Ambitions

Posey's legacy in baseball is cemented by his numerous awards and achievements. His future ambitions include contributing to the Giants' success and exploring other opportunities within the sport.

31. Legacy in Baseball: Posey’s legacy in baseball is cemented by his numerous awards and achievements. He is the second player in MLB history to win the Rookie of the Year, a League MVP, and three World Series championships.

32. Comparison to Derek Jeter: Posey is often compared to Derek Jeter, a legendary player known for his winning mentality and consistent performance. This comparison is a testament to Posey’s own achievements and dedication to the game.

33. Giants Ownership Group: In September 2022, Posey joined the San Francisco Giants’ ownership group, marking a new chapter in his career. This move reflects his deep commitment to the team and the sport.

34. Future Ambitions: Despite his retirement from playing, Posey remains involved in baseball through his ownership role with the Giants. His future ambitions include contributing to the team’s success and potentially exploring other opportunities within the sport.

35. Marketing and Branding: As a marketer’s dream, Posey has been involved in several promotional spots and sponsorships. His all-American good looks and impeccable baseball pedigree make him a valuable brand ambassador.

36. Post-Season Achievements: Posey has played in multiple post-season games, including the World Series, and has been instrumental in the Giants’ championship runs. He caught every inning of the 2010 World Series.

37. Impact Beyond Baseball: Posey’s impact extends beyond the baseball field. He has been involved in various community programs and has supported several charitable organizations, making him a role model and ambassador for the sport.

38. Legacy in San Francisco: Posey’s legacy in San Francisco is profound. He has led a baseball renaissance in the city, helping the Giants capture three World Series titles in five years. His impact on the team and the city is undeniable.

39. Comparison to Other Legends: Posey is often compared to other baseball legends like Derek Jeter and Willie Mays. These comparisons highlight his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, placing him among the all-time greats.

40. Personal Growth: Throughout his career, Posey has demonstrated significant personal growth. From his early days as a small-town kid to becoming a professional baseball player, he has shown resilience and dedication to his craft.

41. College Versatility: At Florida State University, Posey once played all nine positions in one game and added a grand slam home run for good measure. This versatility showcased his all-around baseball skills.

42. College Baseball Impact: During his time at Florida State, Posey helped the Seminoles become a top-ranked college baseball team. His contributions were instrumental in their success, and he remains a beloved figure in college baseball.

43. High School Records: Posey holds several records at Lee County High School, including the record for home runs. His achievements in high school set the stage for his future success in professional baseball.

44. Injury History: Posey has faced several injuries throughout his career, including a concussion in 2017 and right hip impingement in 2018. He has also suffered a fractured bone in his lower left leg in 2010.

45. Career Timeline: Posey made his MLB debut in 2009 and played for the San Francisco Giants until his retirement in 2021. He joined the Giants’ ownership group in September 2022.

46. Fan Recognition: Fans voted Buster Posey the new face of Major League Baseball in recognition of his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.

47. Marketing Spots: The Giants created a promotional spot called “Mi Amor” starring Posey and Sergio Romo. This spot showcases his charisma and marketability, potentially leading to future opportunities beyond baseball.

48. Personal Life: The Poseys have three children, and Kristen often speaks about the challenges of balancing family life with Buster’s demanding baseball schedule. Despite these challenges, they remain a close-knit family.

49. Community Involvement: The Poseys are involved in various community programs, including those that support children and families. Their charitable work has made a significant impact on their community.

50. Future Ambitions: Despite his retirement from playing, Posey remains involved in baseball through his ownership role with the Giants. His future ambitions include contributing to the team’s success and potentially exploring other opportunities within the sport.

Buster Posey's Lasting Impact

Buster Posey's journey from Leesburg, Georgia, to becoming a three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants is nothing short of legendary. His accolades, including the NL MVP, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and a batting title, highlight his exceptional talent. Beyond the field, Posey's dedication to community work and his role in changing MLB rules to protect catchers showcase his influence. His leadership, both as a player and now as part of the Giants' ownership group, cements his legacy in baseball history. Posey's story is one of resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As fans and future players look up to him, his impact on the game and his community will be remembered for generations. Buster Posey truly embodies what it means to be a baseball legend.