Buster Posey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Buster Posey
Posey with the San Francisco Giants in 2018
San Francisco Giants
Catcher / President of Baseball Operations
Born: (1987-03-27) March 27, 1987 (age 38) Leesburg, Georgia, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 11, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants
Last appearance
October 3, 2021, for the San Francisco Giants
MLB statistics
Batting average	.302
Home runs	158
Runs batted in	729
Teams
As player San Francisco Giants (2009–2019, 2021) As executive San Francisco Giants (2025–present)
Career highlights and awards
7× All-Star (2012, 2013, 2015–2018, 2021) 3× World Series champion (2010, 2012, 2014) NL MVP (2012) All-MLB Second Team (2021) NL Rookie of the Year (2010) Gold Glove Award (2016) 5× Silver Slugger Award (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021) NL Hank Aaron Award (2012) 2× NL Comeback Player of the Year (2012, 2021) NL batting champion (2012) Golden Spikes Award (2008) Dick Howser Trophy (2008)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  United States World Baseball Classic Gold 2017 Los Angeles Team

Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey III (born March 27, 1987) is an American baseball executive and former professional baseball catcher. He is currently the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played his entire 12-year MLB career with the Giants, from 2009 until he retired after the 2021 season.

Posey was a key player for the Giants, helping them win three World Series championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. He was named the NL Rookie of the Year in 2010 and the NL MVP in 2012. He also won a Gold Glove Award and five Silver Slugger Awards. Posey also represented the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, helping Team USA win its first gold medal.

Early Life and High School Baseball

Gerald Dempsey Posey III was born on March 27, 1987, in Leesburg, Georgia. His family called him "Buster," which was his father's childhood nickname. Growing up, Buster was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves. He played many sports, including football, soccer, and basketball, but baseball was always his favorite.

In high school at Lee County High, Posey was amazing at baseball. He played as a pitcher and shortstop. In his junior year, he hit for a very high batting average of .544 and had 46 runs batted in (RBI). As a pitcher, he had a great record of 10 wins and only 1 loss. In his senior year, he hit 14 home runs, which was a school record. He also had a perfect 12–0 record as a pitcher with 108 strikeouts. After high school, he was named the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and a Baseball America All-American.

College Baseball Career

Posey played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles. In his first year in 2006, he played shortstop and had a .346 batting average. For his second year, his coach suggested he try playing catcher. He quickly became very good at it.

In 2008, as a junior, Posey had an incredible season. He hit .463 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI. He won many major awards, including the ACC Baseball Player of the Year, the Johnny Bench Award (given to the best college catcher), the Dick Howser Trophy, and the Golden Spikes Award. The Golden Spikes Award is given to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. During one game, he even played all nine fielding positions!

Professional Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Even though he was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005, Posey decided to go to college instead. After his amazing college career, the San Francisco Giants chose him as the fifth overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft. He signed with the Giants for a large bonus.

In 2009, Posey started playing for the Giants' minor league teams. He played very well for the San Jose Giants and then the Fresno Grizzlies, showing he was ready for the big leagues.

San Francisco Giants: A Star is Born (2009–2011)

Posey made his MLB debut on September 11, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants. In 2010, he became the Giants' main catcher. He quickly showed how talented he was, hitting his first career grand slam and having a 21-game hitting streak. He was named the NL Player of the Month and NL Rookie of the Month for July.

Posey catching in 2010

Posey finished his rookie season with a .305 batting average, 18 home runs, and 67 RBI. He was named the NL Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth Giant to win this award. In the 2010 World Series, Posey helped the Giants win their first World Series championship since moving to San Francisco. He caught every inning of the playoffs, showing his importance to the team.

In 2011, Posey suffered a serious injury during a collision at home plate. He broke a bone in his leg and tore ligaments in his ankle, which ended his season early. This collision led MLB to create a new rule in 2014, often called the "Buster Posey Rule," to protect catchers at home plate.

Amazing Comeback and MVP Season (2012)

After his injury, Posey made an incredible comeback in 2012. He was the catcher for Matt Cain's perfect game on June 13, 2012, which is one of the rarest achievements in baseball. He also played in his first All-Star Game.

Posey and his wife, Kristen, at the 2012 World Series Parade

Posey had an amazing second half of the season, batting .385. He finished the year with a .336 batting average, leading the entire National League in hitting. This made him the first catcher since 1942 to win the NL batting title. He also hit 24 home runs and had 103 RBI. For his outstanding performance, Posey was voted the NL MVP. He also won his second World Series championship as the Giants swept the Detroit Tigers. He received the NL Comeback Player of the Year award for his incredible return from injury.

More Championships and Awards (2013–2017)

In 2013, Posey signed a huge contract extension with the Giants, showing how much the team valued him. He caught Tim Lincecum's first no-hitter that year. In 2014, Posey had another great season, batting .311 with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs. He helped the Giants win their third World Series in five years, defeating the Kansas City Royals. This made him only the second player in MLB history, after Pete Rose, to win Rookie of the Year, an MVP award, and three World Series titles.

Posey hitting a pitch in 2013

In 2015, Posey caught another no-hitter, this time by rookie Chris Heston. He was selected for his third All-Star Game and hit his 100th career home run. He also won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award and his second Silver Slugger Award. In 2016, Posey was voted to start in his fourth All-Star Game. He also won his first Gold Glove Award, which is given to the best defensive player at each position. This award showed how skilled he was as a catcher, especially with his pitch framing (making pitches look like strikes).

Posey at the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

In 2017, Posey continued to be a top player. He hit a walk-off home run in the 17th inning against the Cincinnati Reds, setting a new Giants record for the latest walk-off home run. He was named the starting catcher for the All-Star Game for the third year in a row. He finished the season with a .320 batting average.

Later Career and Retirement (2018–2021)

In 2018, Posey had to end his season early due to a hip injury that required surgery. He worked hard to recover and returned in 2019. In 2020, he chose not to play in the shortened season because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on his family, as he and his wife were adopting twin girls.

Posey batting with the Giants during spring training in 2020

Posey returned strong in 2021, hitting a home run on his first swing of the season. He became the first player in Giants history to catch 1,000 games for the team. He was selected for his seventh All-Star Game. In his final season, he batted .304, which was the highest batting average for any catcher in their final MLB season. He also won his fifth Silver Slugger Award and his second NL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Posey announced his retirement from baseball on November 4, 2021. He spent his entire 12-year career with the San Francisco Giants, becoming one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Career Statistics Summary

In his 12 seasons and 1,371 games, Buster Posey had a career batting average of .302. He hit 158 home runs and had 729 RBI. As a catcher, he had an excellent fielding percentage of .995, showing his strong defensive skills.

International Baseball Success

Posey proudly represented Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He played in four games and helped lead the team to victory. Team USA defeated Puerto Rico in the championship game, winning their first-ever World Baseball Classic title.

Life After Playing Baseball

After retiring from playing, Buster Posey remained involved with the San Francisco Giants. In September 2022, he joined the Giants' ownership group and became a member of their board of directors.

In September 2024, the Giants announced that Posey would become their new president of baseball operations. This means he now helps make important decisions about the team's players and future.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Posey married his wife, Kristen, in 2009. They have four children, including twin girls they adopted in 2020. The Posey family lives in the Bay Area. Buster is a Methodist Christian and was a chapel representative for the Giants.

In 2016, Buster and Kristen started the BP28 Foundation. This foundation helps children with cancer and raises money for research and treatment. They work with the V Foundation to support this important cause. In 2019, Posey received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for his character and integrity both on and off the field.

Accomplishments and Honors

Posey with the Giants outside of the White House being honored by President Barack Obama during a ceremony honoring the team's 2012 World Series championship

Posey with the Giants inside the White House being honored by President Barack Obama during a ceremony honoring the team's 2014 World Series championship

The Giants have not reissued Posey's number 28, showing how much they respect his career.

Images for kids

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  Posey batting in 2010

See also

In Spanish: Buster Posey para niños