JotCast | Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

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Gary Bennett

10:55

We don’t need to.....they know

Tom Tag

10:55

A lot of talk about the impact of the pitch clock on pitchers and hitters, but do you think there's an impact on the catchers calling the game? How do you feel about the new rule?

Gary Bennett

10:58

Certainly a hot topic. No question some pitchers/hitters took to much time between pitches, but not sure the rushed feel it can have now is the answer. The Routine, visualization, self talk, and deep breaths are tremendously beneficial. I would compare it to a golfers routine between shots. There is a lot going on.

Guest

10:59

What is your take on analytics in baseball?

Gary Bennett

11:01

Analytics have been around for a long time. There is value to being as informed about a player or situation as possible, but there are things In the game that can’t be quantified that have a big impact on the outcomes of games.

Nice Game Pretty Boy

11:01

What makes a "bad" teammate, and how rare or commonplace are they? Have you seen someone go from a "bad" teammate to a "good" one?

Gary Bennett

11:02

Simply put a bad teammate is selfish. I have seen someone go from bad to good after the game humbled them a bit.

Jorge78

11:02

Hi Gary! In the movie Moneyball, a scout says "want to know if a kid has confidence? Look at his girlfriend. If she's hot, then he is confident enough to play big league ball." Do you find this to be true?

Gary Bennett

11:02

LOL, no.

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

11:03

What is your opinion on the potential usage of robo umps at the MLB level?

Gary Bennett

11:04

I don’t believe I would be a fan, but hard to really say until we experience it.

Jorge78

11:04

One last one thanks! Out of 8 billion people (330 million US), you are on of only 22,000+players to be in MLB. Does it ever hit you how rare that is? It's a very exclusive club.....

Gary Bennett

11:05

Definitely. I was beyond fortunate. Incredible group to be a part of.

Catcher

11:05

You talked a little about when you decided you may be good enough to get drafted as a catcher but how did you initially decide to take up the catcher position as a young player in little league / middle school / high school etc.?

Gary Bennett

11:07

i had a little league coach that saw my insane athleticism and brilliance and decided to put me behind the plate (8 years old I believe) or maybe I was a chubby slow footed kid. Not sure which it was.

Rod Munch

11:08

Gary, Padres fan here. Can you tell us if Adam Eaton was supposed to hit Pujols and if so, why did he throw a breaking ball? Also, what was it like to get punched by one of the all-time greats?

Gary Bennett

11:09

We had a disagreement with Albert the night before. Adam was not supposed to hit Albert. If he was it wouldn’t have been a curve ball. As for the punch I haven’t washed my cheek since.

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

11:10

What is the most important advice you give to young hitters (ages 14 and younger)?

Gary Bennett

11:12

Far too much being thrown at young hitters. The simpler one can keep it the better it will be hitting at any level. Be athletic (balanced), see the ball out of pitchers hand and try to watch till contact, and be aggressive! Swings don’t have to be “perfect”. There is no such thing

Ray

11:13

What was it like for you playing with the dodgers in 2008

Gary Bennett

11:14

great franchise, unfortunately my body and ability were eroding quickly.

Nick Z.

11:14

Is it pretty well known when a batter is going to get plunked?

Gary Bennett

11:15

There is a decide idea yes, and both dugouts know it

Catcher

11:15

In your completely unbiased opinion, is catcher the hardest position to play?

Gary Bennett

11:16

There is not an easy position. Catching certainly has it challenges

Brett

11:16

A couple of your old teammates are still lingering on the Hall of Fame ballot. What are your opinions on Todd Helton & Bobby Abreu?

Gary Bennett

11:17

Great teammates and players. Certainly deserving IMO. I believe Helton will have an easier path than Bobby.

Ron Hodges

11:17

You'll always be on the top of the leaderboard for lifetime average for the New York Mets franchise, hitting a cool 1.000. Pretty cool.

Gary Bennett

11:18

league couldn’t get me out as a Met!

Nice Game Pretty Boy

11:19

Who is a pitcher you never faced that you would have liked to bat against? Who is a pitcher you would have liked to catch that you never did?

Gary Bennett

11:22

LOL hitting was hard. I would have to go back, so Guys like Koufax, Ryan, Gibson. That would have been cool. That being said I faced my share of legends.

Hugh Sezno

11:23

Baseball players make really good salaries but of course short careers. What share of players do you think don't work after they leave baseball? And thanks for your time!

Gary Bennett

11:23

Vast majority work after baseball.

11:23

Who will you brag to your grandkids about throwing out trying to stea/

Gary Bennett

11:25

Played against Ricky at tail end of his career. He was on first a few times and I was hoping he would go but he didn’t. He would have been one to talk about regardless of outcome.

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

11:26

Is LaRussa as intense privately as he appears publicly, or does he lighten up a little bit in the clubhouse?

Gary Bennett

11:27

Tony is intense, but has a great sense of humor and lightens up a bit especially after a win.

Paul

11:27

Hey Gary, thanks for chatting with us! Was there a pitcher you owned at the plate? Conversely, was there a pitcher who made your cheeks pucker whenever you had to face them?

Gary Bennett

11:28

Somehow I had a fair amount of success against Curt Schilling. I believe he is also the pitcher I had the most ABs of of.

Jimmy

11:28

Was there, at any point before 2002, where you seriously considered walking away from baseball? I have to think all those years on the bus, and getting moved back and forth from the big leagues to the minor leagues, had to wear on you at least a little bit.

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?