Rick Ferrell was one of the foremost receivers in baseball history. He was a team leader and an excellent defensive catcher. He possessed a strong arm, and was known as a top-notch handler of pitchers. He led the American League in fielding percentage and assists once, in putouts twice, and double plays three times. Ferrell was no slouch at the plate, either. From 1931 through 1938 he batted under .290 only once, and his lifetime average of .281 is better than such modern stars as Johnny Bench (.267) and Carlton Fisk (.270), though Ferrell did not have their power. A reliable contact hitter, Rick consistently walked 3 times more than he struck out. Bill Dickey and Mickey Cochrane were in their prime when players were selected for the first All-Star Game in 1933, yet Rick Ferrell got the starting nod and caught the whole game. Since retiring as a player, Ferrell has been with the Detroit Tigers as a coach, scout, team vice-president, and general manager. Today, approaching 90 years of age, the Hall of Fame star continues working with the Bengals as an executive consultant.