Mets fan checking in - I loved Jerry Grote growing up, made sure to wear his number in Little League. Could catch and throw with anyone in the history of game (as far as I was concerned, anyway! LOL) and tough as nails.
That said, Johnny Bench was the GREATEST all-around catcher I ever saw. Ever. Power bat, power arm, gold glove, and so damned CLUTCH. Never saw Berra or anyone from that era, but it would be hard for me to imagine they could have been better than Bench.
Johnny was THE guy during my era. Ironically, as a Mets fan, I took pride in that Johnny said that he thought Jerry Grote was the best defensive catcher in the league. He said, "If I played for the Mets at that time, I'd have been playing third base".
I think most people would agree that the catcher is one of the hardest and most grueling positions in baseball. mad props to jonny, one of the greatest to play the game
For my money, Steve Yeager of the LA Dodgers was one of the strongest throwing catchers I ever saw. Yeager's not as well remembered because he didn't hit as well as say...Bench or Carter. Munson was all blood and guts. Fisk was a great receiver from that era. But I agree...overall...Bench stood alone behind the plate.
If Bench isnt in your conversation as the best catcher ever to play, you dont know baseball.
sbaust53 1 year ago
Mets fan checking in - I loved Jerry Grote growing up, made sure to wear his number in Little League. Could catch and throw with anyone in the history of game (as far as I was concerned, anyway! LOL) and tough as nails.
That said, Johnny Bench was the GREATEST all-around catcher I ever saw. Ever. Power bat, power arm, gold glove, and so damned CLUTCH. Never saw Berra or anyone from that era, but it would be hard for me to imagine they could have been better than Bench.
BobbyFz 1 year ago
salute to johnny bench's dad
that's a heckuva story he told
lots of ugly rumor about bench i dont believe 'em and hearing johnny talk here only reinforces that
and the interviewer sure has a helluva baseball memory excellent interview one of the best ive ever heard
thnx for the vid
JustAintthatWay 2 years ago
Johnny was THE guy during my era. Ironically, as a Mets fan, I took pride in that Johnny said that he thought Jerry Grote was the best defensive catcher in the league. He said, "If I played for the Mets at that time, I'd have been playing third base".
NYVoice 2 years ago
Great era for catchers--let's not forget the ball ball hitting Manny Sanguillen.
hubbased 2 years ago
Don't let anybody fool you. Bench was the best. Period! I thought Pudge could have gone down as the best ever, but the guy was on the juice.
carolinablue1982 2 years ago
Bench played great behind the plate, and hit 389 HR in 16 full seasons and one season w/less then 70 AB (1967).
Take away the surgery, and the injuries, and I believe Bench would have played @ 20 seasons with @ 500 HR.
Johnny Bench - The Greatest Catcher, ever...
shade881993 2 years ago
I think most people would agree that the catcher is one of the hardest and most grueling positions in baseball. mad props to jonny, one of the greatest to play the game
-The Baseball Guys
MLBbaseballguys 2 years ago
For my money, Steve Yeager of the LA Dodgers was one of the strongest throwing catchers I ever saw. Yeager's not as well remembered because he didn't hit as well as say...Bench or Carter. Munson was all blood and guts. Fisk was a great receiver from that era. But I agree...overall...Bench stood alone behind the plate.
44Snyder 3 years ago
bench is the greatest catcher ever period.
wuzup6767 3 years ago