Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1988,he moved through the farm system and broke through with the Sox in 1992. He also played for the Red Sox in 1993,and in 1994 he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Rich Rowland. In 1996,Flaherty had a 27-game hitting streak.[3] This ranks as the third-longest hitting streak of all time by a catcher,behind only Sandy Alomar Jr.'s 30-game streak and Benito Santiago's 34-game streak.
In 2003,he signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees.[5] With the Yankees,he served as a back-up to regular catcherJorge Posada. He is best known for a 2004 pinch-hit game-winning single that ended a 13 inning game against the Boston Red Sox. In the 2005 season,Flaherty developed a good working relationship with pitcher Randy Johnson,and was paired with Johnson for most of the pitcher's starts that season.[6]
He rejoined the Red Sox in December 2005,but announced his retirement March 7,2006,during spring training with the team.[7]
Flaherty participated in the 67th annual Yankees Old-Timers' Day on June 23,2013,the first time he played on Old-Timers' Day. He also appeared in 2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2022,2023,and 2024.
Following his retirement,Flaherty joined the YES Network as a color analyst on Yankees telecasts. In addition to game commentary,Flaherty has also served the network as an analyst on the New York Yankees Pre-Game Show,Yankees Batting Practice Today,and the New York Yankees Post-Game Show. He has also appeared on the network's youth-oriented show Yankees on Deck.
On October 29,2025,Flaherty revealed his contract was not renewed,and he would leave the YES Network after 20 years.[8]
Personal life
John Flaherty is known by the nickname "Flash."
On May 15,2009,Flaherty was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill,New York.[9]
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