The Yogi/Ellie years were a different animal. Sunday Dhers, Mondays off & often Thursdays were travel days also. The Yankees would carry 3 catachers Johnny Blanchard was a 3rd. Season was 154 games then only 2 leagues and winners went to WS - usually the Yankees. Teams usually carried 10--12 pitchers so there were more position players.
A backup catcher today is not going to garner a mega contract. I hope the Yankees would make a descent offer to Austin - if he refuses & goes to FA, we would receive draft picks from the team that signs him. That being said I think he is content with his role in pinstripes.
