By: Matt Rappa, managing editor 
PHILADELPHIA — Replacing an All-Star in Carlos Ruiz as the starting catcher was no easy task for Cameron Rupp, considering how much he is beloved by Philadelphia Phillies fans who still chant "Chooch" during each of his plate appearances.
Rupp earned the role this spring after batting .343/.425/.714, however his contributions last season — committing just four errors over 79 starts with 15 extra-base hits over 132 plate appearances — made manager Pete Mackanin's decision much easier.
The Dallas, Texas, native who was drafted in the third round of the 2010 amateur draft, has shown he is willing to commit whatever it takes for the betterment of his ball club. This was shown on May 14, when Rupp held onto the ball during a collision at home plate with Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez for the final out of the game.
The 27-year-old missed a few games with soreness in his left ankle and knee because of the game-saving play, however he returned on May 18 and did not miss a beat, going 1-3 with two runs-batted-in and a walk in the Phillies' 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.
Over the Phillies' five series since, Rupp has quietly succeeded both offensively and defensively. In the 11 games, he is batting .385/.429/.692 with three doubles, home runs and runs-batted-in each. He put up double-digit hit performances in more than half of these appearances (six), and has committed no errors with 93 putouts and seven assists over 100 chances.
Since May 23 — minimum 30 plate appearances — Rupp ranks fourth among MLB catchers in both batting average (.323) and slugging percentage (.581), as well as fifth in on-base percentage (.382). Overall this season, Rupp's .994 fielding percentage is the 11th-best among MLB catchers, minimum 250 innings.
While Rupp may not be the long-term solution at the catching position, with prospects such as Jorge Alfaro, Andrew Knapp and Gabriel Lino in the mix at the minor league levels, he is showing promise during the Phillies' current season filled with the theme of exceeding expectations.
