and out of the strike zone, low and away and even in toward his hands. Because of his free-swinging tendency, he naturally has a walk rate (7.1%) below the Major League average (8.4%). Combined with his ability to put the bat on the ball quite frequently (87%) and his improved approach at the plate, he increased his career-high single-season batting average five times between 2006 and 2013. Despite batting just .238 in his first three seasons and .240 after 1,000 at-bats, Molina increased his average to .284 average after 3,983 at-bats (1,132 hits) as of 2013 due in part to having only one season lower than .293 from 2009–13. He hit into 27 double plays in 2009, but in 2012 reduced that figure to 10. Molina's home run and doubles rates also increased; from 2011–13, he hit 104 of his 226 career doubles. Awards and accomplishments Records MLB records Consecutive playoff games started, 83 All Time Leader in Putouts by a Catcher 14,866 St. Louis Cardinals records Consecutive Opening Day starts at catcher, 15 (2005–19) Consecutive seasons leading the team in batting average as catcher, 2 Gold Gloves won as catcher, 9 Defensive runs saved as catcher, 120 Playoff appearances as catcher, 8 Playoff hits for career, 89 Statistical achievements Personal life Molina resides in Vega Alta and stayed in Caseyville, Illinois, during the baseball season until 2015. He then purchased a home in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Molina also owned a home in Jupiter, Florida, the home of the Cardinals spring training facilities, but sold it in 2020. Molina married his wife Wanda Torres in 2007 and the couple have three children. On September 4, 2008, they had a son; on July 4, 2010, a daughter; and on February 6, 2016, another son. After signing his $75 million contract in 2012, Molina purchased a home on a four-acre property in Jupiter, Florida, for $7.15 million. His agent is Melvin Roman of MDR Sports Management, who has represented him since he signed his first professional contract with the Cardinals shortly after being drafted in 2000. Molina's charitable organization, named Foundation 4, has helped to raise donations for childhood cancer patients in Puerto Rico. Molina is an avid fan of the St. Louis Blues, and attends games frequently. He is close friends with Vladimir Tarasenko. Molina's two older brothers, Bengie and José Molina, played a combined 28 seasons in the major leagues.