What can I say? Best ever hitting and defensive catcher. When I was A kid, he was the guy to look to for A role model. He was what the game was all about. I have only seen him once have a look of discontent in regards to the game. He was asked about Rose. I interpreted his response as one of disappointment. "If you have kids, what do you tell them about the rules?" If professional athletes can actually be heroes he is on the top of the list. Thank You Johnny.
Had the privilege of meeting Johnny Bench and we shared a nice laugh together. Somewhat fittingly, his warmth and kindness reminded me of another HOF catcher I was fortunate enough to meet as well, Gary Carter.
I love Bench, I feel like he sometimes flies under the radar (somehow) when talking about the best player at each position so it is always good to see more of him.
Thank you so much for this. I have course had heard of Johnny Bench, but turns out I didn’t know much about them. Until now. I didn’t realize he played so far into the 80s.
Loved the video. JB hit a home run on Johnny Bench night. I was there. Will never forget my baseball hero doing that. Truly epic. In fact, the video you show of him rounding the bases against the Astros is video of the home run that night.
Thanks Hatbilly. I think you are right, the greatest of all time could be debated at every position on the diamond except catcher. It is so clearly Johnny Bench. Great vid.
Another fine show, Hatbilly. Johnny Bench is the all-time best MLB Catcher, PERIOD! Leave it to Johnny to be the first and only batter to hit a Grand Slam of Jim Palmer. Thank goodness it was in the Minors! The Orioles were my team, always, but loved when the Big Red Machine was playing on TV. Those were some of the best players ever too. Thanks.
Speaking of the Big Red Machine, RUclips has hundreds of videos on Ken Griffey Jr. Ken Sr. was a pretty darn good ballplayer in his own right and might make an interesting video that probably hasn't been done. Or you could do one on the town of Donora, PA, population 4500, which produced both Griffeys and Stan Musial. That's a lot of MLB hits for a town that size.
@@Hatbilly Only a Reds fan or relative would mention Griffey Sr. from The Big Red Machine lol... Stick with the players and teams you like and have researched and good luck!
Another Hall of Fame video.I Agree with you 💯 percent.Bench is my choice for best catcher of all time.When i choose my greatest player at each position,i have my rule for doing so.I only choose among player's that i have seen play in my era.For example i can't make a judgement on Yogi Berra,Roy Campanella,Bill Dickey,and catcher's prior to my birth.Btw my runner up is Ivan Rodriguez followd by Fisk,Carter,and Posey.I can't believe i could forget about the Baseball Bunch.I remember it followed Twib as i can remember.A big Hell yes to a video about the baseball bunch.It's a shame ESPN sports center has taken over for shows about baseball ⚾ myself and others were able to watch as kids.I would love to see Twib and The Baseball Bunch air again.
I appreciate it, Joe! Fisk was definitely his AL counterpart. Pudge was every bit as good as Johnny defensively, for sure, didn't quite have the bat. On the other hand, there's Piazza, incredible bat, but average defense. It's a tough call. I'll see what can cook up on the bunch in time.
Thanks a ton, man! I wasn't allowed to monetize that one because I used John Denver's music. 😅 Worth it, though, because it was the song Wild Bill would dance to.
For sure! I'd love to cover Schmidt! Other than talking about Kruk a few times off the cuff, I've inadvertently neglected the Phillies on here to this point.
Johnny was absolutely great, Thurman, Munson, and Carlton Fisk weren’t exactly so bad either and please bear in mind, Carlton Fisk had his leg, broken in half on a collision at the plate. I would certainly love for someone to lobby for MLB TV to reboot the show, the baseball Bunch. It was very entertaining and an outstanding learning tool for kids interested in maybe becoming ball players in the future. I think someone like maybe Curtis. Granderson would be an excellent host with maybe either Nick Swisher,, Eric Byrnes, AJ, Pierzynski, or even Kevin Millar, playing the part of the wizard
From a statistical standpoint, Fisk was definitely the closest, Munson would've been there too, with a few more good years added to his career. I suppose Josh Gibson would be unanimous, had he gotten the opportunity to play in the majors. Thats a great idea to reboot the bunch! All would be great hosts. I'd add Trey Mancini and Brett Phillips to the list of candidates.
First, I thought I knew The Big Red Machine, growing up going to Reds games(from the south suburbs of Dayton). So I learned from your first word that it was 1968, not '65, when Bench was MVP. However, the claim that Bench is best of All-Time is now debatable, and always has been. Before him, there was Josh Gibson, Biz Mackey, Yogi Berra. As a peer, Carlton Fisk. In subsequent years, Ivan Rodriguez, Yadier Molina, Tony Pena, and Mike Piazza, and others are making a case. Ken Kaiser in 2004 wrote after 36 years of being an umpire(1964-1999) that he considered Ivan Rodriguez the best, slightly better than Bench. Is Bench one of 5 or so BEST? Yes, but that negates several great ones before and after with longer careers, or more impact. Not to be argumentative, but Kaiser said Bob Boone was the best at framing pitches. He was so smooth, it probably got more strikes for Phillies pitchers. Tony Pena used to throw out runners from his knees routinely. Piazza is second only to Josh Gibson and maybe Yogi Berra for offensive performance. IIt's like who's the best QB of all time at this point. Almost impossible to say with authority the best, as we've been blessed as fans by so much greatness as baseball's quarterback position. I love your videos.
No doubt! I agree with all of this, really. I'd have been better suited to describe Bench, in his prime, as the most "complete" catcher. For example, what Pudge did defensively was incredible, he just didn't quite have Bench's clutch bat. Thanks, as always, for stopping by!
The "14x" joke list (0:36) is juvenile and misleading. Bench was a 14-time All-Star, yes! The rest of the list is inane. 14-time critic of Pete Rose? (Why not 14-time advocate of Pete Rose? Bench went to Bud Selig so many times that Selig finally told Bench to stop trying to find a way for Rose to win back the trust he had lost.) Either way (critic or advocate) 14 is probably too low; but there's no way to know such a thing, obviously. 14-time husband? That's just silly. He has married again, August 2024, for the 5th time. But even Zsa Zsa Gabor was only married 9 times, and Mickey Rooney 8 times. You left out 14-time World Series Run Batted In. 14-time Plate Appearances against Pittsburgh in the NLCS (TWICE, in 1975 and 1979). 14-time Passed Balls in 1969. 14-time Putouts as a left fielder in 1970. 14-time Assists as a first baseman in 1983. 14-time Defensive Chances as a first baseman in 1979. The list goes on. ⚾🤪
It's really disturbing to see simple factual mistakes which lead you to wonder what is right and what is not. Says that Johnny Bench was the first athlete on a Wheaties box which is ridiculous since Joe DiMaggio was the first in 1934. Says he was married 14 times also incorrect. Disappointing as it puts everything else into question.
@@Hatbilly Hey, I'm a bit of a pain in the ass lawyer so I'm picky on facts but you're out there doing it. Good for you. And BTW, crazy that as far back as 1934 athletes were making money on endorsement since they didn't make real money and had to work in the off season. I read that Joe DiMaggio earned $632.5 thousand IN HIS WHOLE CAREER as a ball player. Those guys would have played the game for table scraps -- that's loving baseball.
In my opinion the greatest catcher who ever lived. Played in the toughest era of baseball by far.
Glad we agree on that! Thanks for stopping by.
I couldn't agree more well said 👏
Yes, he was the greatest catcher in MLB history. Congrats, Johnny! 👍🏽👍🏻⚾♦️⚾♦️⚾♦️⚾♦️
What can I say? Best ever hitting and defensive catcher. When I was A kid, he was the guy to look to for A role model. He was what the game was all about. I have only seen him once have a look of discontent in regards to the game. He was asked about Rose. I interpreted his response as one of disappointment. "If you have kids, what do you tell them about the rules?" If professional athletes can actually be heroes he is on the top of the list. Thank You Johnny.
Had the privilege of meeting Johnny Bench and we shared a nice laugh together. Somewhat fittingly, his warmth and kindness reminded me of another HOF catcher I was fortunate enough to meet as well, Gary Carter.
Thanks for sharing this! Two genuine, extremely talented players!
I love Bench, I feel like he sometimes flies under the radar (somehow) when talking about the best player at each position so it is always good to see more of him.
Excellent work on the video, and your humor made it even better!
Great player...great person
Thank you so much for this. I have course had heard of Johnny Bench, but turns out I didn’t know much about them. Until now. I didn’t realize he played so far into the 80s.
No problem! I had fun reseaching him. I knew he was my grandpa's favorite player, but didn't understand why until I looked him up.
@@Hatbilly and anybody who thinks Pete Rose is wrong is a friend of mine.
Yes i agreeso with you.
Loved the video. JB hit a home run on Johnny Bench night. I was there. Will never forget my baseball hero doing that. Truly epic. In fact, the video you show of him rounding the bases against the Astros is video of the home run that night.
Thanks! I had read that, failed to execute telling his whole line from the game, I believe. It's awesome you were able to experience that.
Thanks Hatbilly. I think you are right, the greatest of all time could be debated at every position on the diamond except catcher. It is so clearly Johnny Bench. Great vid.
Glad we agree, William! Thanks again for the tip! I really don't make much from this through RUclips ads, so it always makes my day to see a donation.
❤❤❤😂
Iagree Iagree with every body kay payton
❤❤😂😂😂😂
An excellent video sir!!! Loved watching him play for sure and have fond memories of the baseball bunch show. Take care
I appreciate it! You too!
Johnny bench one of the best God bless him.
Great video. Walt loved it.
Another fine show, Hatbilly. Johnny Bench is the all-time best MLB Catcher, PERIOD! Leave it to Johnny to be the first and only batter to hit a Grand Slam of Jim Palmer. Thank goodness it was in the Minors! The Orioles were my team, always, but loved when the Big Red Machine was playing on TV. Those were some of the best players ever too. Thanks.
I'm glad we agree on that! I'm from a family who also loved the O's, but also admired the Machine.
Well done!
This is excellent stuff man
I appreciate it!
he would definitely be on the list of the top 10 players of all time .
Another great video.
I appreciate it!
Oh bro I was at Johnny Bench Night and he hit a home run too, which turns out that you show at 8:51 into this video. :)
Wonderful Video! I like your style 👍
Speaking of the Big Red Machine, RUclips has hundreds of videos on Ken Griffey Jr. Ken Sr. was a pretty darn good ballplayer in his own right and might make an interesting video that probably hasn't been done. Or you could do one on the town of Donora, PA, population 4500, which produced both Griffeys and Stan Musial. That's a lot of MLB hits for a town that size.
That's a great idea! Thank you. I'll see what I can do.
@@Hatbilly Only a Reds fan or relative would mention Griffey Sr. from The Big Red Machine lol... Stick with the players and teams you like and have researched and good luck!
Happy to see Wood Booger but still miss his"YEEEEAAAHHH"!!!
He also made the cover of Time magazine on July 10, 1972. God he was fun to watch! The entire Machine was.
Thanks for adding this!
A video about The Baseball Bunch would be great
He was the man. The’76 Reds were - and still are - the greatest team of all time - then and now. They had everything
Driver of the Big Red Machine
The Greatest Catcher Of All Time Tim Ross
Loved the baseball bunch
I watched the entire series the day after I uploaded this, it's great to binge-watch!
Another Hall of Fame video.I Agree with you 💯 percent.Bench is my choice for best catcher of all time.When i choose my greatest player at each position,i have my rule for doing so.I only choose among player's that i have seen play in my era.For example i can't make a judgement on Yogi Berra,Roy Campanella,Bill Dickey,and catcher's prior to my birth.Btw my runner up is Ivan Rodriguez followd by Fisk,Carter,and Posey.I can't believe i could forget about the Baseball Bunch.I remember it followed Twib as i can remember.A big Hell yes to a video about the baseball bunch.It's a shame ESPN sports center has taken over for shows about baseball ⚾ myself and others were able to watch as kids.I would love to see Twib and The Baseball Bunch air again.
I appreciate it, Joe! Fisk was definitely his AL counterpart. Pudge was every bit as good as Johnny defensively, for sure, didn't quite have the bat. On the other hand, there's Piazza, incredible bat, but average defense. It's a tough call. I'll see what can cook up on the bunch in time.
sky line chili is amazing
well done dude
I appreciate it!
For the Jim Abbott video.
This is for the wild bill video. I think tips were turned off. Keep killing it dude.
Thanks a ton, man! I wasn't allowed to monetize that one because I used John Denver's music. 😅 Worth it, though, because it was the song Wild Bill would dance to.
@@Hatbilly haha I love it. Respect the sacrifice.
Thank you. This is fantastic. Any chance you would be interested in producing a Mike Schmidt video?
For sure! I'd love to cover Schmidt! Other than talking about Kruk a few times off the cuff, I've inadvertently neglected the Phillies on here to this point.
@@Hatbilly Thank you, sir. Keep up the great work. You're killin' it. Baseball history is so important to nerds like us.
Johnny was absolutely great, Thurman, Munson, and Carlton Fisk weren’t exactly so bad either and please bear in mind, Carlton Fisk had his leg, broken in half on a collision at the plate. I would certainly love for someone to lobby for MLB TV to reboot the show, the baseball Bunch. It was very entertaining and an outstanding learning tool for kids interested in maybe becoming ball players in the future. I think someone like maybe Curtis. Granderson would be an excellent host with maybe either Nick Swisher,, Eric Byrnes, AJ, Pierzynski, or even Kevin Millar, playing the part of the wizard
From a statistical standpoint, Fisk was definitely the closest, Munson would've been there too, with a few more good years added to his career. I suppose Josh Gibson would be unanimous, had he gotten the opportunity to play in the majors. Thats a great idea to reboot the bunch! All would be great hosts. I'd add Trey Mancini and Brett Phillips to the list of candidates.
The Greatest Catcher of all time was named Berra. 10 WS rings as player, 2 as coach.
YOGI BERRA
Berra might be his only competition. All those chips with Yankees count for something!
First, I thought I knew The Big Red Machine, growing up going to Reds games(from the south suburbs of Dayton). So I learned from your first word that it was 1968, not '65, when Bench was MVP. However, the claim that Bench is best of All-Time is now debatable, and always has been. Before him, there was Josh Gibson, Biz Mackey, Yogi Berra. As a peer, Carlton Fisk. In subsequent years, Ivan Rodriguez, Yadier Molina, Tony Pena, and Mike Piazza, and others are making a case. Ken Kaiser in 2004 wrote after 36 years of being an umpire(1964-1999) that he considered Ivan Rodriguez the best, slightly better than Bench. Is Bench one of 5 or so BEST? Yes, but that negates several great ones before and after with longer careers, or more impact. Not to be argumentative, but Kaiser said Bob Boone was the best at framing pitches. He was so smooth, it probably got more strikes for Phillies pitchers. Tony Pena used to throw out runners from his knees routinely. Piazza is second only to Josh Gibson and maybe Yogi Berra for offensive performance. IIt's like who's the best QB of all time at this point. Almost impossible to say with authority the best, as we've been blessed as fans by so much greatness as baseball's quarterback position. I love your videos.
No doubt! I agree with all of this, really. I'd have been better suited to describe Bench, in his prime, as the most "complete" catcher. For example, what Pudge did defensively was incredible, he just didn't quite have Bench's clutch bat. Thanks, as always, for stopping by!
The "14x" joke list (0:36) is juvenile and misleading. Bench was a 14-time All-Star, yes! The rest of the list is inane. 14-time critic of Pete Rose? (Why not 14-time advocate of Pete Rose? Bench went to Bud Selig so many times that Selig finally told Bench to stop trying to find a way for Rose to win back the trust he had lost.) Either way (critic or advocate) 14 is probably too low; but there's no way to know such a thing, obviously. 14-time husband? That's just silly. He has married again, August 2024, for the 5th time. But even Zsa Zsa Gabor was only married 9 times, and Mickey Rooney 8 times. You left out 14-time World Series Run Batted In. 14-time Plate Appearances against Pittsburgh in the NLCS (TWICE, in 1975 and 1979). 14-time Passed Balls in 1969. 14-time Putouts as a left fielder in 1970. 14-time Assists as a first baseman in 1983. 14-time Defensive Chances as a first baseman in 1979. The list goes on. ⚾🤪
I'm such a piece of shit 💩
It's really disturbing to see simple factual mistakes which lead you to wonder what is right and what is not. Says that Johnny Bench was the first athlete on a Wheaties box which is ridiculous since Joe DiMaggio was the first in 1934. Says he was married 14 times also incorrect. Disappointing as it puts everything else into question.
Looks like it was actually Lou Gehrig in 34. My sincere apologies for disturbing you.
@@Hatbilly Hey, I'm a bit of a pain in the ass lawyer so I'm picky on facts but you're out there doing it. Good for you. And BTW, crazy that as far back as 1934 athletes were making money on endorsement since they didn't make real money and had to work in the off season. I read that Joe DiMaggio earned $632.5 thousand IN HIS WHOLE CAREER as a ball player. Those guys would have played the game for table scraps -- that's loving baseball.
JOSH GIBSON IS THE GOAT!
Antisemitic
He is not the greatest of all time.