I don't know how Campanella was defensively but he was certainly the equal of any catcher since offensively . Bench was the total package though . Clutch player , wicked smart , arm like a pitcher , power hitter ,and a real professional on and off the field . I cannot imagine how his career may have gone if he hadnt had the surgery on his chest early on. It slowed him a bit
Even if Pudge Rodriguez was a little better defensively - 13 gold gloves and the best arm of any catcher - Johnny redefined the position, led the Reds to four pennants and two world series championships while winning the MVP twice. He also stayed with one team his entire career. Sadly Ivan has become a journeyman, playing with a half dozen different teams in as many years. John was the greatest and it doesn't look as if there will ever be another like him. Rodriguez was as close as they came
@jeffbatpa24 I think most of the old-timmers are better, all-around players than today's players. Many years ago, players had to be ablle to play defense. Nowadays, you have players like Manny Ramirez and others who can't catch, run and have no baseball instincts. I remember watching exciting games where you would see great defensive plays, smart baseball instincts, stolen bases, strategy etc. Now, all that happens is the long ball.
Some of the early footage is from the 1970 World Series with the Orioles. In this, he is homering against the Phillies to tie game 3 of the nlcs in the ninth, hitting a homer in game 4 of the 1976 WS against the Yankees, in game 3 of the nlcs against Blyleven and the Pirates. The last one with him holding his finger up is him hitting his final homer on Johnny Bench Night in 1983. It was also the last game in which he caught. The ball just missed a banner that said, "God Bless Him." Nice.
@joedits1 Bench was and still is my favorite athlete of all time. I was a young teen in his playing days. I only wish we had ESPN back then so I could've seen a lot more of him.
The greatest catcher................PERIOD.........
Don't embarass yourself by comparing Bench to any other catcher.
tammyrgibbs 3 weeks ago
Funny how no one ever mentions his love for guys......hehe
Teresaolliz 2 months ago
My aunt knows Johnny......she babysitted his son
xxDogger24xx 3 months ago
My all time favorite player! #5!!!
uconndirk 3 months ago
The pride of Binger Oklahoma-Johnny Bench-there's only one.
Weissmenchland 4 months ago
El mejor del mundo de todos los tiempos!
drjgarciadiaz 5 months ago
I don't know how Campanella was defensively but he was certainly the equal of any catcher since offensively . Bench was the total package though . Clutch player , wicked smart , arm like a pitcher , power hitter ,and a real professional on and off the field . I cannot imagine how his career may have gone if he hadnt had the surgery on his chest early on. It slowed him a bit
RisingSon011 5 months ago
T
HE GREATEST CATCHER OF all time WITH OUT A DOUGHT.
Texas21FD 6 months ago
bench best carcher in history,berra and carter 2nd and 3rd
lionel19651 6 months ago
Even if Pudge Rodriguez was a little better defensively - 13 gold gloves and the best arm of any catcher - Johnny redefined the position, led the Reds to four pennants and two world series championships while winning the MVP twice. He also stayed with one team his entire career. Sadly Ivan has become a journeyman, playing with a half dozen different teams in as many years. John was the greatest and it doesn't look as if there will ever be another like him. Rodriguez was as close as they came
cbr1000drummer 6 months ago
Greatest all around catcher ive ever seen.Clutch hitter and great arm.I was a huge fan as a kid.Even watched his TV show JOHNNY BENCH M.V.P.
jam1ga 7 months ago
THE REAL QUESTION IS JOHNNY BENCH OR YOGI BERRA!?!?
JaseJase1010 7 months ago
@JaseJase1010 johnny bench by a mile
Babykicker235 7 months ago
@JaseJase1010 Bench. No question
Nomoremrniceguy100 7 months ago
Better than Buck Martinez?! The real question is, was he better than Biff Pocoroba?!
badmaxx 7 months ago
@badmaxx maybe but he's no Barry Foote thats for sure
RisingSon011 4 months ago
Was he better than Buck Martinez?
leafyutube 9 months ago
@leafyutube Bench was the best period. Not even thurman munson comes close.
Nomoremrniceguy100 7 months ago
this got me a A+ on my report
MegaNewProductions 9 months ago in playlist nmhjl,jk
best catcher in the history of the game so far....no one comes close
jeffbatpa24 1 year ago 6
@jeffbatpa24 I think most of the old-timmers are better, all-around players than today's players. Many years ago, players had to be ablle to play defense. Nowadays, you have players like Manny Ramirez and others who can't catch, run and have no baseball instincts. I remember watching exciting games where you would see great defensive plays, smart baseball instincts, stolen bases, strategy etc. Now, all that happens is the long ball.
dontlookatmeokay 6 months ago
rest in peace sparky....let rose in the hall,,
darrylhaynes 1 year ago 4
@darrylhaynes Absolutely
Nomoremrniceguy100 7 months ago
Some of the early footage is from the 1970 World Series with the Orioles. In this, he is homering against the Phillies to tie game 3 of the nlcs in the ninth, hitting a homer in game 4 of the 1976 WS against the Yankees, in game 3 of the nlcs against Blyleven and the Pirates. The last one with him holding his finger up is him hitting his final homer on Johnny Bench Night in 1983. It was also the last game in which he caught. The ball just missed a banner that said, "God Bless Him." Nice.
Schmoe552001 1 year ago
Great video. I saw Bench play when I was a kid. His throws to 2nd base looked like they were on rails. One of the greatest.
Jameister 1 year ago
That was a sweet montage. I'm a huge Bench fan, and I saw clips I had never seen.
joedits1 1 year ago
@joedits1 Bench was and still is my favorite athlete of all time. I was a young teen in his playing days. I only wish we had ESPN back then so I could've seen a lot more of him.
joclance22 1 year ago
This gave me goosebumps. Thank you.
Schmoe552001 1 year ago 2