JotCast | Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Gary Bennett

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Gary Bennett

11:30

Toughest part of the game is the mental side. There were certainly trying (and crying) times in minor leagues. Seriously considered walking away....no. Doubts about how much longer the game would allow me to play....absolutely

Jake

11:30

How about you join Bill Lee and Eric Byrnes on the Savannah Bananas?

Gary Bennett

11:31

NO SIR! I can get down in squat, it’s the getting out if it that’s a problem

John Vaster

11:31

Gary, would you say the game today is different or the same as what it was back in the 90's.

Gary Bennett

11:33

Game is continually changing. Always has. My generation did things the generation before didn’t just like today’s group is different from mine. I’m still a huge fan of the game.

Drew

11:33

You played in Philadelphia during some lean years for the franchise - what was that experience like, especially playing with young players like Rolen and Abreu?

Gary Bennett

11:35

My time in The Phillies org is invaluable. Cut my teeth there, learned so much about the game and myself.

Joe Girardi

11:36

Hey Gary! Just wanted to come in and say hi.

Gary Bennett

11:36

Hello Joe

Matt

11:36

What was your favorite part about being a Cardinal?

Gary Bennett

11:38

The WS definitely skews things. Outside of that, amazing fan base, and an amazing organization that does a great job of keep Cardinal history involved with present day Cardinal baseball

Ben

11:40

Who was your favorite teammate to play with in your career?

Gary Bennett

11:40

Too many to name just 1. The bond you build with teammates is hard to explain.

Redbird Nation

11:41

After your amazing hot streak in ‘06 (IIRC) some commenter in the post dispatch comments section said you should write a book. “Gary Bennett & the greatest week of all time” - or something to that effect.

Gary Bennett

11:42

LOL, hmmmm not sure that would be worth the paper it would be written on.

Redbird Nation

11:42

As a Cardinal fan, thank you for your contributions in 2006. With Yadi around the backup C doesn’t get much face time. But here we are 17 years later and I remember you fondly. Seemed to come up clutch as a cardinal and just want to thank you.

Gary Bennett

11:42

Appreciate that more than you know. Thank you

Ben

11:43

Who was your favorite pitcher to take deep?

Gary Bennett

11:43

My brother while growing up playing whiffle ball in the neighborhood.

11:44

Pitched a bit back in the day and had some hilarious conversations with my catchers during mound visits. Any funny moments or comments stick in your mind from a trip to the mound?

Gary Bennett

11:49

Had a pitcher call me out to the mound against Dodgers, men on 1st & 2nd in a big spot. Said the hitter coming to the plate owned him and didn’t know what to do. I told him his stuff was electric that day and to follow my lead. He said ok. I go back put down signs and he shook off everything I put down. I then just motioned with my hand to throw whatever and didn’t give a sign. Ended up hanging a slider for a double in the gap!

Larry

11:50

Any chance we'll see Gary Bennett take a role with a major-league organization like a coach, manager, scout, analytics expert?

Gary Bennett

11:52

Certainly have interest, but my window may be closed. No regrets as I was able to coach and be around my kids growing up. Wouldn’t trade that for the world

Larry

11:53

What do you say to the people who doubt that Scott Rolen is worthy of the Hall of Fame?

Gary Bennett

11:54

factoring in everything Scott brought as a player and teammate he is arguably one of the 5 greatest 3rd basemen ever. And for those who would argue that, he is no doubt without question one of the top 10

The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh

11:55

Can you talk a little bit about Josh Hancock (RIP) as a teammate and also what it's like to lose a teammate (since it is so rare)?

Gary Bennett

11:58

Josh was an amazing teammate and competitor. He gave everything he had every time he took the mound and didn’t back down or shy away from any challenge. He seemed to always have a big smile on his face, and laughed often. Some great memories with him.

RAGBRAI

11:59

Are you saying your girlfriend wasn’t hot and yet you still became an excellent receiver?

Gary Bennett

11:59

LOL, negative.

TheBigBopper

11:59

How do you handle having a teammate you just don’t like? Or one who is just a poor team player?

Gary Bennett

12:01

Thankfully I really didn’t experience that. There are definitely some teammates to get along with better than others, but I don’t believe I can think of a teammate I disliked.

TheBigBopper

12:01

From your perspective is there one ballpark that you just loved playing in? What made it so enjoyable?

Gary Bennett

12:06

Can’t say one, but comments on a few......Wrigley, old Yankee Stadium, and Fenway have/had different sound, smell, vibe. You could feel the history. Dodger stadium is a cathedral with an immaculate playing service. “Newer” stadiums, PAC Bell/AT&T or whatever San Fran is called now had an amazing energy and I loved the cool night temps there. Camden Yards and SafeCo are two others I really liked

12:07

And I can’t tell you why, but I loved playing a Shea Stadium

Larry

12:08

How about this photo for a little throwback???

Gary Bennett

12:08

Wow, that young man turned out to be a pretty good shortstop.

Double D

12:10

Favorite beer to enjoy after a win?

Gary Bennett

12:11

I wasn’t particularly partial as all beer was a bit colder and tasted a bit better after every win.

12:13

I could talk baseball for days, but unfortunately I have to wrap this up. Thank you for all the questions and sorry for those I didn’t get to. Looking forward to a solid WBC, and then a hell of an MLB season. Best always everyone.

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?