How does anyone keep playing catcher for years & years?

They don't - these days the learn dual position s at the beginning of their careers. They waited too long to try and teach Johnny Bench third and the outfield. He was horrible at both positions and his legs wore out. Probably, the Yankees were the first team to try and save a catcher's legs when they sent Yogi Berra to right field. But they should've taught him the position sooner. Joe Torre was a catcher, but he learned early had to play first and third. Manny Sanguillan learned how to play first and Brian McCann learned the position this past season. Dale Murphy, Andy Van Slyke and Bryce Harper all began as catchers too, until they were converted to the outfield and became All Stars.

Mike Lawson should've started playing first or in the outfield a lot sooner and then his legs wouldn't be in such bad shape either. Levon should do the same thing too - start learning at least one more position so he can give his legs a break. He should learn first and alternate with Mike. Then Mike can save what's left of his legs and Levon can keep his from getting severely damaged like Mike.