Former Phillies catcher Darren Daulton died at the all too young age of 55.

Darren “Dutch” Daulton, the charismatic catcher and master of Macho Row, whose talent for controlling both a pitching staff and a clubhouse helped the 1993 Phillies win an improbable National League pennant, died Sunday at age 55 after a four-year battle with brain cancer.

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But what made him more valuable than those modest numbers might suggest were his intangibles, particularly his knack for calling games and commanding respect. Pitcher Curt Schilling, who blossomed when he began throwing to Mr. Daulton in 1992, fell under his spell, frequently calling his battery mate “the best catcher in baseball.” Manager Jim Fregosi labeled Mr. Daulton the game’s “best leader.”

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

One has to wonder if some of the odd behavior Daulton exhibited later in life was the result of an undetected tumor.

Daulton developed a knack for getting on base in his late prime that he carried forward the rest of his career. His best season came in 1992, seasonal age 30 when he posted a 6.9 WAR and led the NL with 109 RBI. He came close to repeating that in 1993, with a 5.0 WAR as the Phillies won the pennant. Daulton was a valuable offense presense as a catcher. While he didn’t hit for average, he got on base well and 40% of his hits went for extra bases.