The call-up of John Bormann by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday made me think of two things right away. The New York Mets adding Joe Hietpas as a backup catcher in September of 2004, and a 1902 Pirates catcher named Mike Hopkins. I assume no one else had the same thoughts.
Joe Hietpas was a 25-year-old catcher in 2004, who split the season between High-A and Double-A. He was not a good hitter. In fact, in his eight seasons in the minors, the 2001 16th round draft pick was a .208 hitter, with a .587 OPS. The Mets had injuries and they were short-handed behind the plate.