JotCast | Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

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Discussion Board

Gary Bennett

10:01

Good morning. This sunny and brisk Chicagoland day is perfect to chat a little baseball

Tim Dierkes

10:16

Hang on - some technical difficulties!

Big Z

10:18

Of all the pitchers you caught, which one had the nastiest stuff?

Gary Bennett

10:21

would be a toss up between Curt Schilling, Chris Carpenter, and Jake Peavy. Great competitors with great stuff

Nick

10:22

Favorite team to play on?

Gary Bennett

10:22

Winning the World Series in St Louis makes it tough to top that team

Jacob L

10:23

Was it weird to have your name on the Mitchell Report, were you surprised?

Gary Bennett

10:24

Mitchell report was obviously a less than ideal situation, but i am 100% accountable for my action.

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

10:25

What were the things that set Yadi apart from both yourself and other catchers you played with?

Gary Bennett

10:27

1st off Yadi is incredibly talented, but what we sets apart is his work ethic and his ability to check his ego and do everything possible to help the pitchers succeed

Guest

10:28

Welcome Gary!! What it feel like winning a WS? How much you get toasted with all the partying after the WS?

Gary Bennett

10:29

Hard to put into words. Wrap up all you holidays and birthday together, that would come close. There was a bit of celebrating

10:30

Hi Gary, if given the chance, would you have participated in the World Baseball Classic when you played?

Gary Bennett

10:31

Absolutely. It looks like those guys have a blast. It’s fun to watch.

Victor N

10:31

How was your experience with Yadi Molina?

Gary Bennett

10:32

As good of a player Yadi was, he is an even better person. His brothers are great people also.

Cards Fan

10:32

I didn’t realize you were named on the Mitchell Report. I don’t judge. If I could take pills to get paid millions of dollars, I’d at least have to consider it! All that aside, do you think Bonds and Clemems belong in the HOF? I think players of that era get a pass because so many were doing it and MLB wasn’t doing anything significant to try to stop it.

Gary Bennett

10:33

I do think Bonds and Clemens belong in the HOF

Ethan

10:33

What was it like squaring up with Albert Pujols, and was it awkward becoming teammates afterwards?

Gary Bennett

10:34

LOL Albert and I had a little disagreement the night before. Sometimes tempers flair in competition. We played against each other a week later and all was fine

Mike B.

10:34

At what point in your youth did you realize you were good enough to go possibly go pro? Middle school? Early high school?

Gary Bennett

10:36

In 8th grade I realized I was pretty good at baseball. My goal was to get good enough to have a college pay for my education. My sophomore year of HS I starting thinking about possibility of getting drafted

Jake

10:36

Gary, I competed against you at Cards Fantasy Camp in 2017. I think you were on a team with Reggie Sanders. Most fun weekend ever outside of anything with my wife and kids, of course...

Gary Bennett

10:37

Cardinals fantasy camp is such a cool experience. Raise money for a great cause, and meet a lot of really good people. 1st class event

10:38

Thanks for joining us! As a father, how much did you push baseball as a sport, if at all, and how did you emphasize being a leader and hard worker with your kids?

Gary Bennett

10:40

I certainly have a passion for the game, but tried like hell to never push it on my sons. I stressed having fun, giving solid effort, and being a good teammate. Once in HS they expressed interest in playing in college. It was only then I started pushing on them a little to show them what it will take.

Chris

10:40

1.000 career batting average as a Met. You must feel proud to be the franchises batting champion lol

Kingsley

10:40

Advice to high schoolers looking to play at the next level?

Gary Bennett

10:42

Advice be prepared to sacrifice a lot of teenage experiences and you will have to remain extremely discipled.

Cubs Fan

10:43

Did you grow up a Cubs fan? What's it like playing against them after loving them?

Gary Bennett

10:45

I did grow up a Cubs fan, but loved the game and liked others also. Tommy Herr was one of my favorite players growing up

Hugh Sezno

10:45

Any great stories about being on the first Nats team and not having a losing record?

Gary Bennett

10:46

Lots of great memories that season. DC was awesome. We started off strong, crowds were great and had a great group of teammates.

Ruban Amaro

10:46

What have you been up to since your playing days ended?

Gary Bennett

10:49

Used my signing bonus to purchase a rental property, and continued to acquire properties, so I dabble in real estate. I have been in the medical device industry for 12 years. I’m on the board of a couple nonprofits, and am a partner in a baseball facility (Since 08’) just north of Chicago

Grand slam

10:52

Do cubs fans still remember your walk off grand slam in 2006?

Gary Bennett

10:52

i grew up with a lot of die hard Cubs fans, and they do LOL!

Jake

10:53

Erik Kratz and Tim Brown have a book coming out called The Tao of the Backup Catcher. It is a great read, backup catchers have the best stories. What would you say was your Tao as a Backup Catcher in MLB?

Gary Bennett

10:55

Not sure I had Tao, Erik is obviously a hell of a lot brighter than I am, and had a hell of a career

Jorge78

10:55

Do players with WS rings flash them around other players?

Load More Messages

Connecting…

Joel

4:39

After your walk-off grand slam against the Cubs (as a Cardinal), in your postgame interview, you said you had no idea how you went on the tear during that stretch of time. Do you wish that your career had more of those type of moments?

Jacob L

4:04

Hi Gary,
Favorite pitcher you ever worked with?

Guest

4:05

What is the most Painful part of being a big league catcher. In college my thumb always killed me! *go redsox*

Kurt

4:05

What was it like to change teams so often? Was that tough on your family?

4:06

Any funny stories from your days with the Phillies? Funniest teammates?

Miguel

4:07

What was the most painful part of being a big league catcher! My thumb killed me my whole time playing up until college. *go redsox*

Tyrone

4:07

One knee or two?

Wonee

4:08

Do you prefer catchers using 1 knee to frame or 2 knees to reduce wild pitches and passed balls?

Rob S

4:10

Who was your favorite manager to play for?

Jacob L

4:10

Favorite City you ever played in?

Cards Fan

4:10

Hi Gary, thanks for the chat. That 2006 season must have been memorable. New stadium, WS championship, playing with the MV3 (Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds) plus Molina! What are some things that stand out about that year to you?

Guest

4:13

Gary why are the Cardinals the best teaM in the Central

Mariners Fan

4:13

Hi, Gary. Curious to know what you learned — and wish you learned — about how to manage your baseball money once you started making it? What advice would you offer today’s youngsters?

Altuve’s Buzzer

4:14

Hey Gary! What was your favorite memory from the MLB?

HankTank2017

4:14

Gary why was Carlos Zambrano so angry all the time?

Cardinals Fan

4:14

Good Morning Gary Cardinals fan here what was your experience like playing for the Cardinals thank you

A B

4:14

As a former big league catcher, who was your favorite pitcher to catch and if applicable, who was the most difficult player to catch for, either due to stuff, wildness, etc

Larry

4:15

Hello, and thanks for doing this chat. It was great seeing you play for the Cardinals. I remember that you and Pujols had a scuffle when you were with the padres. I was wondering how you approached that issue once you joined the Cardinals. I know you’re professionals, but I was curious what that conversation was like. Thanks.

HankTank2017

4:16

Gary, I have three pets a snake, a cat, and an opossum. I have to eat one, save one, and milk one. Please tell me which to pick?

Cards Fan

4:17

As a catcher, what are your thoughts on the automatic strike zone which is likely headed to MLB in the near future. Personally, I am torn. You want the calls to be right. On the other hand, baseball is at its core entertainment and human element, arguments, and pitch framing can be really entertaining.

Melchez

4:17

You didn't get to play in the 2006 world series... were you able to attend? Did you get a ring?

CardsFan94

4:17

Hey Gary! Big Cards fan here. What was it like working with that ‘06 Cardinals pitching staff?

HankTank2017

4:18

Gary, who wins in a pit fight: Will Clark vs Mark Grace, Mad Bum vs. Lance Lynn, and RANDY Johnson vs 1000 pigeons.

jockstrap

4:19

Welcome Gary! Whats the feeling like winning a WS?

A B

4:20

What rule change(s) that mlb have made since you have retired that you like most and that you like the least. (Could be this years changes or past)

Melchez

4:21

So, an estimate... what percentage of MLB players used PEDs back in your day?

MLP

4:22

Even as MLB moves more and more into analytics of those things that can be quantified, teams are placing increasing value on the ways catchers help their pitchers. Where do you think you helped your pitchers the most?

Guards Fan

4:22

Was there a catcher you looked up to as a kid? For me, it was Carlton Fisk, my all time favorite player.

HankTank2017

4:23

Who had the best six pack: Carlos Zambrano, Vogelbach, or John Kruk

Nate

4:25

Happy Tuesday, Gary! What was it like watching the 2001 Diamondbacks go on to win the World Series? Were they underdogs (in the regular season)? I admire your career!

Rob S

4:25

What are your thoughts on MLB cracking down on pitchers using foreign substances?

cardsfansince1973

4:26

That 2006 Cards team was an amazing team. Outside of winning the series that year, what memory stands out the most to you? Is it the grand slam against Chicago or something else?

Endin

4:27

Hi Gary. Do you remember the benches clearing in a game versus the Cardinals? You were the Padres backstop. What are you thoughts in a moment like that? I was at that game btw.

CardsFanSince1973

4:28

What was Tony like behind the scenes?

Joe

4:29

Have you and Albert Pujols made up since he punched you?

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

4:29

How did LaRussa differ from other managers you had?

HankTank2017

4:29

Gary who runs faster Albert Pujols, Yadi, or Jon Lester

Guest

4:30

You and your cardinals beat my Tigers in the WS. :( Congrats on a WS ring.

Clint C

4:31

Describe the elation you had in August of 2006 hitting the walk off grand slam vs the cubs, You hit 4 that week, what got into you? Also, when you reflect back to your time with the cardinals, you had a hall of fame manger, rolen just go in then you have albert and yadi!

Retired D3 Catcher

4:31

What's the most important piece of advice you'd give to a young kid who wants to develop into a successful catcher?

Joey

4:34

Did you have college scholarship offers coming out of high school> Where?

Jake

4:34

How vivid are your memories of your back-to-back walk-off hits against the Cubs on August 26 and August 27, 2006?

Chris

4:35

Any memories that you would like to share about Juan Encarnacion? It's horrible how his career ended.

David R

4:35

Who’s your favorite catcher in MLB today and why?

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

4:36

What is the #1 piece of advice you give to young catchers (ages 9-12)? How about catchers who are just entering high school?

Brian

4:37

How often would you talk to hitters to get in their “head”?

Mets fan

4:37

Hi Gary. You went 1/1 in your only game with the NYM. Any big memories from your brief time in blue and orange?

HispanicattheDisco

4:37

Pitchers you had the toughest time picking up at the plate?

Ray

4:38

Advice on choosing an agent?

Walk off grand slam

4:41

How much fun was that walk off grand slam against the cubs in 2006?

Duffy Scliff

4:44

Thanks for doing this Gary! What was it like to play for the first MLB team in D.C. in decades?!

Daniel

4:44

The Cardinals had you log an inning at first base a couple times. Did you have to do any mental prep between innings when they asked ya to switch positions or did you just grab a glove and go compete?

Jake

4:45

Cardinals Hall of Famer, Tommy Herr. What a DP combo with The Wizard.

Phil Cardinals fan in Iowa

4:46

Ty, Mr.Bennett for being apart of my Cardinals 06 Championship... Any favorite memories with The Cardinals u can share ???

oOoOogie

4:46

Do you think the Cubs will go another 108 years before they win again ? And it’s good to meet you Gary.

Braves ultimate fan 69

4:46

Good to see you here

Jose Mesa's blue glove

4:49

Any other sports you played growing up or just baseball?

HankTank2017

4:50

Gary, are you avoiding my queztions

Brett

4:51

Gary, of the men you played with and against, who would make your All-Star starting nine? Thanks.

Catcher in the Rye

4:54

Favorite place to play on the road?

Duffy Scliff

4:57

Any interest in getting back to MLB as a coach, front office member, etc?

slim

4:57

so you are the one upping rent in chicago ;)

blap

4:58

What was your favorite moment in the show

Stanley Yelnats

5:01

Favorite ballpark to visit?

Rob

5:04

Curious if you ever crossed paths with Jamie Pogue, Cardinals bullpen catcher? I played with him in college and was surprised to learn he had been there so long!

JGuill

5:05

Hi Gary! Remembered you lately in connection with Scott Rolen's election to the HoF. March '93 MiLB camp at Clearwater with my old bud John Baughman-- I gave a bat you'd told me to take when your A-ball group left to a frustrated rookie Rolen; he hit two balls in the LF light towers with it and said he'd be switching ASAP! More than a dozen seasons later, you and Rolen were Cardinal teammates. Two good guys, IMO. I always said you were the steadiest catcher in MLB, no matter where your journeys took you. A blast to see you here! Wishing you fastballs down the middle!

Phil Cardinals fan in Iowa

5:09

Catchers make gr8 managers have you would you consider, being a manager??? Thx, WS Champ...

Cardz

5:12

Any idea how Dave Duncan worked his magic to transform pitchers who were struggling into reliable arms for the Cards?

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

5:13

Is there any way to describe the difference between a regular season game and a playoff game?

Stanley Yelnats

5:14

Walk us through your walkoff grand slam against the Cubs. Did anything else in your career feel as good as that?

Joel

5:15

You got to catch Ben Sheets for one year in 2004, right in his prime. In your opinion, how do you think he stacked up against the dominant pitchers of those years, and do you think he could have been a franchise great had he stayed healthy?

Aaron

5:16

Hi Gary, is it true that you spent the night at the stadium after a road trip during your time with Milwaukee?

Kevin

5:18

The 2003 Padres as a team weren’t good but what were your experiences with that team and the city of San Diego?

Bert

5:19

LOL at " As for the punch I haven’t washed my cheek since. "

RAGBRAI

5:28

What did you play in little league? Was your dream to be a catcher?

Drew

5:30

Who is your favorite catcher to watch in today’s game?

Bouch

5:31

The 2003 Padres had a cast of characters, from Klesko, to Giles, to Burroughs, to Peavy and Rod Beck and also had two current managers (Kotsay and Nevin), any stories you can share with us about that season and your time in San Diego?

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

5:32

Should Dave Duncan be in the HoF?

Phil Cardinals fan in Iowa

5:33

Catchers turn into Managers usually. Have you considered managing??? Thx WS Champ...

Guest

5:37

Hi Gary, I also played baseball at Waukegan east under Jack Mallory. I graduated in 81 and had the pleasure to be friends with Brian Traxler as he began his dissent to the major leagues. How has the baseball in the Lake County area changed over the past 30 years? it seems like there were many many players that were signed and drafted back in the 80s and 90s but not so much now. Thanks.

Pat Gillick's biggest fan

5:38

What is your opinion on the idea of a three foot deep trench being placed three extra feet behind home plate so that catchers can stand instead of squat?

Mark

5:41

Hi Gary, I also graduated from Waukegan East, but in 1981 under Jack Mallory. I got the pleasure to be friends with and watch the ascent of Brian Traxlor to the major leagues. What seems to be the difference in Lake County baseball now as compared to 30 years ago? It seems like they were many many players drafted and signed in the 80s and 90s but not so much anymore. Thanks

Oak

5:42

Hi Gary! Did you have a favorite ballpark or city you played in? Why?

Old Joe

5:43

Good Morning! Did you ever mesh so well with a pitcher that signs were secondary somewhat ? or get a spidy sense about someone picking up on signs?

Scott H

5:45

You played for many teams, which was the most enjoyable organization to play for?

Stoopid

5:45

How well can a solid pitcher locate his fastball? Is it too much to expect him to hit a 12-inch circle 50% of the time?

SMBR80

5:49

Did you have a favorite visiting baseball park

Ben

5:50

Do you remember the hitter

Rob

5:50

Crash Davis would have been proud of that story! Don’t think meat, just throw! Love it

Big League Impact

5:54

Do you remember playing an exhibition game pre 2006 season in Oklahoma City? I was working the clubhouse as a highschooler and got to meet the whole team! Will never forget that. Pro athetes have such a big impact on kids.

Larry

5:55

Thanks GB. You've always been a classy guy as well as a hard-nosed player. Appreciate the honesty here.

Timmy G

5:56

Who would you say has had a better career up to this day, Arenado or Scott Rolem?

Rob

5:58

Would you say being named in the Mitchell Report hurt your career? It has to be hard playing under such scrutiny?

Rob

6:03

Who is your favorite catcher going today?

Ricky Jr.

6:03

If I’m not mistaken the MLPA pension kicks in at 10 years of service… I think? Is that a push for guys to try to extend careers or more of an after thought?

Rob

6:04

was there ever a team you wish you could have played for?

Conner

6:05

how are you

Chad G

6:05

Who’s going to win the WBC?

Conner

6:05

what was the best part of baseball?