In Bench's career as a catcher, he had 10,110 put out chances and made 9,260 of them, not to shabby. Also, had a streak of 26 consecutive post-season games not allowing a stolen base until Mickey Rivers steal in game 4 of the '76 World Series off pitcher Gary Nolan. No other catcher compares to Johnny Bench.
I read somewhere that he never allowed a stolen base in his postseason career. I had to look it up. In 42 career playoff games Johnny Bench allowed 2 stolen bases -- one in '72 to Matty Alou and one in the '76 WS to Mickey Rivers. That's not "never" but still PHENOMENAL. And this was in an era rife with stolen bases and stolen base attempts. When it comes to catchers, Bench is the G.O.A.T!
Bench was amazing. He was like a comic book super hero. He made his pitchers better through the shear force of his personality. He threw base runners out with dart like throws. He would throw behind base runners for putouts. He was the first to even attempt to catch with one hand regularly and to this day no one does it effectively like he did with those huge paws. He blocked the plate like a 80 ton rig. He hit for power like Mickey Mantle. He was the greatest catcher to ever play the position.
In Bench's career as a catcher, he had 10,110 put out chances and made 9,260 of them, not to shabby. Also, had a streak of 26 consecutive post-season games not allowing a stolen base until Mickey Rivers steal in game 4 of the '76 World Series off pitcher Gary Nolan. No other catcher compares to Johnny Bench.
tammyrgibbs 3 weeks ago
No steroids or PED needed. He's legit!
simplygu 2 months ago
Bench threw out 43% lifetime. Ivan Rodriguez was slightly better with 46%. But all around best catcher was the man I'm this video.
cbr1000drummer 4 months ago
@FlipTrojan Great factoid. Wonder how many he threw out? Agreed that he's the best ever.
Mrchilipalmer14 8 months ago
@FlipTrojan I watched Johhny Bench play in the 70's in my opinion he was the greatest catcher of all time
curtisjones400 8 months ago
I read somewhere that he never allowed a stolen base in his postseason career. I had to look it up. In 42 career playoff games Johnny Bench allowed 2 stolen bases -- one in '72 to Matty Alou and one in the '76 WS to Mickey Rivers. That's not "never" but still PHENOMENAL. And this was in an era rife with stolen bases and stolen base attempts. When it comes to catchers, Bench is the G.O.A.T!
FlipTrojan 1 year ago
Bench was amazing. He was like a comic book super hero. He made his pitchers better through the shear force of his personality. He threw base runners out with dart like throws. He would throw behind base runners for putouts. He was the first to even attempt to catch with one hand regularly and to this day no one does it effectively like he did with those huge paws. He blocked the plate like a 80 ton rig. He hit for power like Mickey Mantle. He was the greatest catcher to ever play the position.
Explode36 1 year ago