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Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher and Pro Scout Brian Johnson
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Desiree
10:57
As a scout, how much weight do you give to blood lines? (If a prospect’s dad was a professor player for example)
Brian Johnson
11:01
Good question Desiree.  I would say it is a part of his "formula" for me.  It often would help me to understand the personality-type vs. the skill set on the field.  Personality is the toughest to read from the stands, but it can give you so much insight as to how a particular player may handle the stressors of the game.  Can he adjust?  Can he stink for a month and recover?  That has zero to do with how far he hits the ball or how fast he runs, but it is crucial to how well you can help your team win.  That is the point of playing the game:  to win.  Not to put up stats.  So, it is a helpful part of my analysis, but has to be taken with a grain of salt, as the kid may be nothing like the dad.
TJ
11:01
Back in the day I heard many coaches tell us, “If you want the best chance to be a major leaguer, have a good arm, and can throw strikes, become a pitcher. If you have a good arm and can’t throw strikes, become a catcher.” What advice would you give a youngster on skills to focus on developing as a catcher?
Brian Johnson
11:03
Interesting premise TJ, though I disagree with it for the most part.  Oversimplification can sound cool, but often is inaccurate.  To any young player, boy or girl in any sport, I encourage them to try every position.  Do them all.  You never know what you may be good at until you try them.  Thanks TJ.
Guest
11:04
Who was the Pro Scouting Director when you were with the Giants?
Brian Johnson
11:05
Jeremy Shelley.  He is still there, but in a different position.  Great dude.  Smart guy.
Walton Dilcox
11:05
As a scout with a franchise actually trying to win at the time: what kind of players did they Value? Mentally and physically…I feel like so much sports content likes to tomato/tomahto everyone
Brian Johnson
11:08
Tough question Walton.  I would say one thing.  The analytics revolution has been very good in many ways for the game, but it has been awful in others.  Take a spread sheet for any business or organization, lots of useful info that goes a bit deeper in evaluating the total scene.  Individual human beings?  Can be helpful to evaluate what has already been, but can have trouble in telling us what comes next.  Trends, yes?  Specific reasons why things don't go well, not quite as much.  So, I believe it is important to look at the person that is the player along with the numbers that he puts up.  A tough game to predict no matter what you use.
Jack
11:09
What was the NL West race like in the '97 season?  That was my most favorite season as a young fan.  Ted Robinson's radio call of your 12th inning walkoff HR is still burned in my brain.
Brian Johnson
11:11
Yes, Ted Robinson was really good.  He is a friend to this day.  We first met as he did some of my football games at Stanford with Bob Murphy.  Ted is so thoughtful and savvy in his game analysis and play by play.  So many sports his adept in also.  One of a kind.  Yes, the NL West was exciting back then.  Each team had their own personality and were dangerous.  I hope this season proves to be similar.
Kingsley
11:11
Advice for high schoolers wanting to play at the next level?
Brian Johnson
11:14
Advice?  Have fun while it lasts.  Less than 7% of HS players will play college ball.  Does not mean they should be discouraged, or not pursue their dreams, but don't be afraid to have more than one dream.  Have several.  So many fun things to do outside of sports.  I have done so many in my day.  Appreciate the moment, don't sweat what happens next.
Brian
11:14
Hi Brian. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I've gone to scout school and gotten my masters degree in sports management. How do I break in to pro ball/amateur scouting
Brian Johnson
11:16
I wish I had some good advice for you.  Going to the winter meetings in December is important and an opportunity.  Finding a contact within a team is good.  Also, just watching the team website and applying when spots open up.  Today's game often will have people take jobs that are not scouting at first, so say "yes" to anyting that comes up.  Getting in the door is the hard part.  Once you get in there, then you can devise a plan to get where you want to go.  Good luck!
JD
11:17
What are the most important skills to learn to be a major league catcher?
Brian Johnson
11:19
You serve at the pleasure of the pitcher.  Get to know each of their personalities.  Celebrate them when they succeed.  Hurt for them when they struggle.  Learn how to call a game strategically to win.  Earn the trust of your pitcher by building a relationship with him or her off the field.  On the field, understand what situations they like to be in and the ones where they will need some help.  Have fun. Catching is unlike any position in sports.  Appreciate the ride.
Irate Nate
11:19
How was that 99 season with the overachieving reds?
Brian Johnson
11:22
Fun season.  Great team.  Marge Schott was a trip.  Went to a party at her house for the team before the season.  Big house.  Wall to wall cigarette smoke.  Dank.  Nasty.  Shout out to Greg Vaughn for getting rid of the silly no facial hair policy.  Loved Lark and Hal Morris and Sean Casey and Pokey Reese (best defensive 2B I ever saw).  Good times.
Guest
11:22
You threw me your batting gloves after an at-bat in Spring Training in 1997. Been my guy ever since. Thank you!
Brian Johnson
11:22
Ahhh, very cool.  I appreciate you.
Bryan
11:22
Your name is misspelled 😐....did you enjoy your San Diego days and what do you think of the team this year?
Brian Johnson
11:23
Yes, good call.  I knew there was something wrong with my name!  Hope the Pads can get it right this year and have some fun.  I am always pulling for them, but they need to lose the brown uni's.
TG19
11:24
Hey Brian, thanks for doing this chat. Any cool stories about your time with the Padres or specifically, Tony Gwynn or Trevor Hoffman?
Brian Johnson
11:26
Loved them both.  Tony taught me how to use the tee in a different way that catapulted my career from AA on.  Trevor and I played against each other in college when he was a SS.  We played against each other in A ball.  Last day of the season, he was getting released.  They told him he could stay if he wanted to become a pitcher.  As we talked during BP that day, he was not sure.  He had never done it.  "Can't be that tough", I said.  Sure enough, three years later he was throwing gas in the big leagues.  Now in the HOF.  Pretty good decision by him.
Alex
11:27
What an interesting path to end up as a pro catcher despite not playing there in college. How did that come about- did the team approach you about converting or did you propose the move? And how difficult was it to learn the position?
Brian Johnson
11:28
Thanks Alex.  Drafted by the Yankees as a 3B.  I asked them if I could go back to catching.  They said "no".  I asked that they come and see me play in a semi-pro game back home first, before they decide finally.  They did.  I was a catcher from that point on.
illiniharrison
11:28
Favorite stadium food you have had and where?
Brian Johnson
11:29
Definitely a brat guy.  I would say Pittsburgh.  Nice, spicy mustard there too.  Great stadium.
Not Brian Johnson
11:29
How often do fans ask for autographs? Did you ever ask for an autograph or even in the big leagues?
Brian Johnson
11:31
Not often in person.  We all get letters every week in the mail to sign cards for people that collect cards as their hobby.  I would say I get about 400 a year?  Give or take?  Part of the responsibility of being a big leaguer, I believe.  Doesn't take long.  Easy.  I have never been into them or autographs, but I can understand why they are fun for many.
John
11:31
Do you know other players that read MLBTR?
Brian Johnson
11:32
I think everyone uses MLBTR in the game.  Can't beat it.
Guest
11:33
What are some good MiLB stadiums? Some not so great?
Brian Johnson
11:34
Old Mudhens Stadium in Toledo was the worst.  The new Mudhens Stadium is one of the best.  Love going there.  Indianapolis' stadium is pretty sweet too.
SMBR80
11:34
How did enjoy your time with the San Francisco Giants
Brian Johnson
11:34
Loved my time with the Giants.  Great people and we won.  A good combo.
The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh
11:35
I am a youth coach and have a nuanced hitting question. At the point of contact, should your top hand have the appearance of an uppercut punch, or a downward punch? I was taught to rotate the wrists (downward punch), but I've seen video of Tony Gwynn teaching the uppercut punch approach. Tony was way smarter at hitting than I'll ever be, but I was wondering if I could get another perspective on this. Thanks, Brian.
Brian Johnson
11:39
Great question.  I would say both can work for different players.  My take is very different.  I don't focus on the minutiae.  I focus on the results.  If you can hit a line drive to the back of the cage off a tee on command?  You are in a good spot.  I don't care if you do a handstand before you swing.  Dusty Baker would always tell me the ball will tell you all that you need to know.  Tony believed that too.  What you are talking, respectfully, about is over-coaching.  We need the hitter to be an athlete at the plate, not a robot.  You can't focus on 8 things when you are training, then think the hitter will be able to clear their minds when they are live in the games.  Keep your teaching simple.  Each hitter is very different.  Allow your players to find their style and they will enjoy the game more.  Hope that helps.
Frank N.
11:39
Is the "Brian Johnson" game in September 1997 one of the most vivid memories of your playing career? I think given how indelible that memory is to many Giants fans that it has to be quite the memory for you.
Brian Johnson
11:40
Special moment.  Grew up there.  We won there.  Thank you for remembering.
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