Johnny Bench: Nobody was more driven than Pete Rose | Dan Patrick Show | NBC Sports

[@renewd]

I am so impressed with Bench's candor while discussing his good friend.

[@SHUB281]

Much respect to Johnny. We know there was some animosity between him and Pete. But his comments were very classy. RIP Rose.

[@pauulmerucci9081]

I'm 71 years old, i've seen a lot of good catchers in my day, including bill freehan in detroit where i lved my whole life, johnny bench was the greatest

[@jimtownsend7899]

I feel for Johnny. He's hurting. And he's mad at Pete, and rightfully so. But he loves the guy, and he misses him. You can see it in his eyes, you can hear it in his voice. I hope he finds peace.

[@ChrisLukondi]

The reality is the days are running

[@jc33ny]

He is full of Crap He campaigned to keep Pete out of the HOF .There are so many videos of him saying No for Pete to stay out.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

@@jc33ny Don't be a jackass. Bench can still be his friend without supporting Pete's entrance to the Hall. Everyone on the planet knew Pete bet on games. Does not help that shameless Pete denied it for 20 years before finally admitting the truth.

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@jc33ny Nonsense. Bench and Mike Schmidt presented Rose with an action plan with the objective of getting back into the game, and a long range goal of getting on the HOF ballot. Rose said NO to that.

[@AAB463]

@@jc33nythe sad truth is that Pete wanted to gamble more than he wanted to be in HOF. Johnny could not change that despite trying. And Pete could not stop gambling.

[@TheChris403]

It's good to see and hear Johnny Bench. RIP Charlie Hustle.

[@artcabrera3598]

My boy hood idol and the greatest grinder of all time. No body's perfect but few people have done more for the game. He played the game the right way. R.I.P. PETE

[@mysterj1]

Baseball will NEVER have as good a salesman as Charlie Hustle.

[@SuperHornet1981]

⁠ Idk about the two commenters who preceded me, but I got turned onto baseball and the Big Red Machine in 4th grade-the ‘72-73 school year. Rose, Morgan and Concepcion focused on getting on base. Their power hitters were everyone else and Sparky Anderson saw most of the pitchers as “those who could make contact.” Never have I seen 7-9 in the lineup start something and get to the top of the lineup with 2 on and one out-or better even! Saw ‘em have a 12-run 5th inning once; final was 14-2. Bench’s description was correct. If Pete had 2 hits, he went to the plate for one purpose-his 3rd. If you haven’t seen it, Joe Buck’s interview with Pete Rose is here on utube. It’s certainly worth an hour of your time.

[@BobG-pi8bb]

You can eulogize the man and celebrate his accomplishments and mark on this world without disagreeing with the things you’ve said in the past. Bench gets all that. Those are nice words by Bench about a long time teammate and friend.

[@deaconblue949]

Pete looked like Superman flying through the air diving for the base. I hated him when he played against the Cubs but I loved him the rest of the time. I wished I could have told him that in person but I suppose this will have to do. Rest in peace Pete.

[@Phuq_it]

I used to turn on the radio and listen to the Reds. Unbelievable talent and what a time we spent together. Thank you Johnny and Pete

[@therumtrader]

I love and respect Johnny Bench so much. I am glad his such a well-spoken veteran voice for baseball.

[@AmyJoTraut]

Love Johnny and Pete so much. The Big Red Machine was such a huge part of my childhood. My Uncle and I went to many games, spent thousands of dollars buying bubble gum cards to get everyone’s card and I remember he had this little radio that only picked up Reds games you could carry it in your shirt pocket. Johnny was my all time favorite I was a catcher that wore the 5. Thanks Johnny, I needed to see this today❤

[@AAB463]

Beautiful story. 😢

[@MrCcoachman]

Johnny Bench was the greatest catcher that I ever saw and I'm saddened for the loss of his dear friend Pete Rose. Thank you Dan for this interview JB. I was at HOF inductions back in 1999 and the saddest sight that I've ever witnessed was Pete Rose sitting outside the HOF building on the road at a table signing baseballs. All I could think was here's baseballs greatest hitter sitting next to the building that he would never have plaque in. RIP Pete Rose aka Charlie Hustle

[@mgruber6448]

My dad cried when Babe Ruth died,.. I cried for baseball as my dad did, when Johnny said "Damit, Pete, we did not want it to end this way"..... One of the biggest sports tragedies of all time... What makes it hard to swallow is that it was self inflicted...

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

An addiction to win, never about money just the excitement to win. Most gamblers that win one day give it back the next. If it was about money gamblers would win and save it but they don't

[@robertwheatley2471]

A sad chapter in Rose's legacy. Got into baseball 50 years ago because of him. Pete Rose will forever be on my All-Time roster lineup, carved in stone. RIP.

[@christopherstevenrankin]

Thanks for standing up for what's right, Johnny.

[@Juiceontheloose76]

While now you can't throw a stick without hitting a sports betting sponsor

[@bobbobby-o2w]

@@Juiceontheloose76 Exactly.

[@dj7973]

Johnny nailed it. He’s exactly right.

[@hostility3404]

Crazy that the hit king isn't allowed in the Hall but you see draftkings and other gambling companies all over mlb and mlb partners.

[@edubbwebber5469]

The greatest catcher, and most respected player. I saw a grand slam you hit vs Dodgers in 1977 . Thank you

[@waynejohanson1083]

Reached bass 6,000 times. That is unbelievable. A record that will never be broken.

[@alexanderflores503]

"YUP! . . not even Ohtani will catch it!"

[@Kanazawa1997]

But there are too many players have higher WAR than Rose. Stan Musial is one of them.

[@jamesm.3967]

Base….bass is a fish.

[@Renee-xo8hk]

Thank you Johnny ❤ RIP Pete #14 ❤

[@miketell5890]

All true baseball fans absolutely with no doubt know Pete rose is a hall of famer and for me that’s how I will remember him I’ve seen him play so many times and I was fortunate to meet him personally 2 different times . RIP HOF er

[@marktaflinger6348]

As a Reds fan, I feel Johnny's frustration and sadness over Pete's addiction to gambling. All I know is that I loved watching Pete Rose play the game. Nothing he did will overshadow his on the field accomplishments for me. RIP Charlie Hustle, the HOF may never forgive you, but I do.

[@ZMAN0224]

It was Roberto Clemente that Pete Rose beat to win the batting title by going 4 for 4 and winning by less than .003 points .348 to .345 in 1969.

[@rodmiller6872]

He also did beat out Matty Alou on the final day of the 1968 season. .335 to .332. You'll have to look up how many hits he got that day but I do remember reading about how he was asking people what Alou was doing.

[@Stevedrums741]

Bench reminds me of Seaver in teh sense of just being sharp, honest and brutally frank. You can read his love, anger, resentment, admiration and respect for him. Like most people who have history, the emotions can become intertwined and complicated. Bench is honest enough to just let it fly. Just like Seaver would.

[@p.f.912]

Much respect to Johnny Bench. I dont care about the gambling - Pete is a HOF baseball player.

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

i haven't heard bench praise rose this clearly ever. he's known the guy for over 55 years so there should be love which he shows here. RIP pete.

[@wmp3346]

Just y😊😊😊

[@commanderjoj6426]

Is Pete Rose a HOF baseball player? No doubt. Do I think that Pete Rose has suffered enough? I do. Unfortunately, I don’t have a vote. My biggest fear is that if Pete gets in, does it open the doors for Bonds, McGwire, Clemens, and the rest of the “Steroid Era” guys? It’s a slippery slope, and I just want this resolved.

[@Edmond951]

@@commanderjoj6426 And what about Shoeless Joe Jackson?

[@AnthonyMancuso-pt4ru]

For any fan of The Big Red Machine...today is extremely sad time. Listening to Johnny makes it a hair less sad.

[@donaldprather2416]

Pete hustled to first on a walk, pure hustle all the time. No showboat just enthusiasm. The best hitter hands down.

[@mgruber6448]

"are you mad or sad".. great comment/question... I think all baseball fans are both... RIP Charlie Hustle...

[@ronniesnyder3670]

Thank you Johnny for setting people straight on how you truly felt for Pete . I’m so happy to hear that you and the other members of The Big Red Machine had Pete’s back . God bless you Johnny.. RIP Peter Edward Rose 🌹.

[@Pazzi-y3k]

Pete Rose 🌹 the epitome of a meticulous fearless “ precisionist” with peripheral vision Rest in Peace Pete Rose 🌹 my favorite Hall of Famer

[@stephenrogers4537]

I remember seeing the Cincinnati Reds back in 75 I grew up with the Cincinnati Reds and always wanted to be a ball player Pete Rose and Johnny Bench and the entire Reds nothing's going to change that NOTHING BROTHER!

[@chrisrunyon2372]

Putting him on the ballot now is a slap in his face.

[@Pazzi-y3k]

Pete Rose 🌹 “ Losers focus on Winners & Winners focus on Winning

[@mikekenner9218]

RIP Mr. Rose! I've been a lifelong Cincinnati Red fan! I had his poster on my wall in the 80's.

[@Bond007fan]

My favorite player was Johnny Bench. But I loved Pete. RIP. He deserves HOF !

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Patrick drop the issue on gambling celebrate how good he was like Johnny did. have you ever made a mistake at work, in life, have you ever had an addiction. Thanks Pete for bringing a championship to Philadelphia, we loved your style of play, never took a day off, we will miss you. Johnny your a class act as well.

[@kaptainh5538]

Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson took Pete in and showed him the ropes in 1963 .

[@waynejohanson1083]

And Pinson should be in the hall of fame.

[@Cardivore20]

@@waynejohanson1083yep, until the players that are worthy are in the HOF, it’s meaningless

[@ugaais]

When you play team sports and you have success, you have a bond with teammates that never dies, even if you grow apart there is always that bond.

[@brendanbarry9878]

As a lifelong Met fan I know pete rose was the greatest because I hated him the most

[@AAB463]

Haha😂 that’s so true & funny!

[@numitumi8806]

Loved this interview. Raw emotion and passion on display .

[@timhollamby8728]

Rose and Bench the last old school ball players and the heart and soul of The Big Red Machine...Bench was like a coach on the field and a bulldog behind the plate...Rose was forever Charlie Hustle....R.I.P Pete Rose...

[@paulduran9917]

Pete, should be in the Hall. Not only for his tenacity and stats but for the darker side as well. Great Athletes have the same weaknesses as us all. How can this story help current/future people and athletes

[@AAB463]

What is wrong with holding people who are role models/heroes for millions of little kids to a higher standard?

[@dylansmith8930]

Johnny looks and sounds great thankfully, he's as sharp as ever. Glad he takes care of himself.

[@bradleye3108]

Love JB. Saw Pete hit the hit on September 11, 1985. Love the Big Red Machine!!

[@georgeoshust793]

JOHNNY BENCH IS THE GOAT OF CATCHERS!

[@guileweaver1574]

" Best catcher ? - best offensive catcher ; Mike Piazza. Best defensive catcher ; Pudge Rodriguez. Best all-around catcher ? Johnny Bench." ~ Pete Rose

[@duanewright1412]

It's a sad day for Pete's family. It's a sad day for baseball, and it's a sad day for fans around the world.....Should he be in the HOF......100% YES. Let's pray for Pete and his family and let the rest fall into place. CHEERS to ALL

[@Pazzi-y3k]

When I was little baseball leaguer my # was 14 then high school varsity baseball I emulated his unwavering tenacity to fearless effortlessly imperturbably compete was mystically breathlessly brilliant

[@Pazzi-y3k]

I Love ❤Pete Rose 🌹 more than any MLB player ever I’m 67 I’m crying 😢

[@citileft]

Dan I totally appreciate your position on P Rose and agree 1000%

[@aaronburgess4442]

Johnny is great! Sharp.

[@johnmadison3472]

Obviously Johnny didn't like that Pete broke the rules on gambling, and spoke public about it, but when Pete apologized to him, I believe that meant a great deal to Johnny. He saw first-hand how much Pete was committed and loved baseball. They were both winners and Hall of famers. Nice interview.

[@bobbobby-o2w]

@CheddarShredder777 And I'm sure you're the world's foremost expert on sincerity

[@tonyorme6446]

Great comments Johnny!

[@Bill-tz3wg]

What a very timely show of sentiment.

[@taketheredpill1452]

his passion was his greatest strength and his greatest downfall; it's the same thing for all of us. let's just be grateful for all he did and wish him godspeed.

[@MichaelEstrada-q7e]

God bless you Pete rest in peace thanks for the awesome memories.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

The GOAT of catching. And just think how much better he would have been had he not gotten hurt.

[@thekar3577]

Bench always a such class act …tells it how it is and takes the high road. It would be great if these legends would show up in the tv booth during the playoffs for a few innings each game … Johnny, Reggie, Brett, Schmidt , Winfield Dan is spot on …some of these guys are ocd competitors …they always have to be in on the action, have to win . Pete I’m sure thought he could win no matter what. There is a simple fix here… build a wing at the HOF for these great players that broke the rules. Honor them for their greatness on the field and teach about their mistakes off of it.

[@alanunseld4942]

the greatest catcher in my life time 🙋‍♂️😎⚾️

[@tomg8673]

Greatest Catcher in History

[@BB12659]

Not a fan of the Reds, but respect the Big Red Machine. The finest team that I've ever seen assembled. Nati fan, I'm feeling the anguish. Thanks, Dan, and Johnny for enlightening us more on Pete.

[@loanguy6193]

He belongs in the Hall of Fame Period

[@kellykarcher7179]

Now that he has passed away, he does. No way did he belong in the HOF while he was living. Pete was always at risk for damaging the credibility and integrity of the game.

[@Sean-mclaughlin]

Saw Pete play in Montreal when he was with the Expos. Very intense player when you watch him in person. Played the game the way it was meant to be played. He was on the Expos with Gary Carter, Tim Raines, and Andre Dawson as teammates. Wow. All Hall of Famers. Pete should have been there with them.

[@DouglasSmart-i7g]

Pete Rose was the best hitter ever,he played hard all the time,players today should take notice.

[@ShawnC.T.]

I can feel the profound disappointment, hurt, solemness in Johnny Bench's voice, when he asks the question "why" Pete. Godspeed "Hit King"...😢💔🙏🏽🕊#14

[@garygable4170]

And yet now sports gambling is promoted during the games! The HOF needs Pete more than he needs the HOF. If you're not going to have the man who had more hits and broke more records than anybody, it's an empty hall. Loved watching Johnny and Pete play.

[@imsnowedn]

I'd bet you would see the owners kids betting on games all the times. The ones who will inherit teams with no input, no tax, no effort. But you wanna penalize the guy who made 2 franchises world series champions and set the records for being an aggressive hitter and runner. The rich people hate a guy with heart and hustle that they will never have.

[@imsnowedn]

@CheddarShredder777 that's okay lots of poor people hate hustle. That's why they stay poor. Jealousy of those who work hard is common. Very very common.

[@bobbobby-o2w]

@@imsnowedn LOL. Poor people stay poor because they'd rather complain about the rich than try to emulate successful behaviors. That would be too much work.

[@joemaher1902]

Johnny Pete belonged in the hall of fame period .

[@TimedOut...NoWayo]

Baseball pardon - HOF - posthumously. Respect, Charlie Hustle

[@RURALELECTRICBAND]

Greatest Catcher Ever JB #5

[@carlbradford3607]

I was a Braves fan but I love Pete Rose .

[@docadams7099]

Dear Johnny, You sure look well. I trust you are doing well these days. Best wishes to you and Dan.

[@P99-v6n]

Not many saints in the Hall, Johnny.

[@JOHNROBERTCRUZ]

May GOD rest Pete Rose in peace...❤

[@majestic_irrelevance]

No one is saying he didnt break the rules. We are saying the punishment doesnt fit the crime. Brought to you by ESPN Bet....

[@ltjjenkins]

😂 well done

[@JB-uv4hm]

Bet on games. Lies, lies, lies. If you think he only bet on his team to win, you’ve never known a compulsive gambler.

[@Sunnyb305]

​@@JB-uv4hmshow some respect

[@WaRi-rd2we]

But it wasn’t just a rule, it was the ONLY rule that was hanging up in clubhouses discussed and everyone knew the consequences. And we don’t even know everything he did, because he agreed to sign the ban if they’d stop the investigation

[@roncarlyle8572]

If they let him in they should let Joe Jackson in.

[@Steve-e3c]

There is one thing that I don't hear people talk about. There has never been any evidence that Pete tried to fix baseball games. He bet on his team to win. The Black Sox were accused of taking money to throw games. There is a huge difference in what Pete did when compared to the Black Sox. Pete is and was baseball and should be in the Hall of Fame. He broke a rule and was punished for 35 years. Now is the time to let him in.

[@garygable4170]

If Pete bet on his team to lose, I would be against him, but to bet on your team to win is different. I agree with you, he has been punished more than enough.

[@mrlaw711]

John showing class - not he was in business with Pete, and was never cheated by Pete. Vincent, Patrick, and Giamatti will forever be dismissed as irrelevant in baseball or sports. Always amazed me how "high on the horse" but Bart and Vince were...and Vince especially always wanted to make rulings by himself - as if his special place in life - being born into wealth - gave him some celestial advantage.

[@DavidMartin-vs1dm]

The Baseball Hall of Fame should be about what happened on the field, period.

[@kellykarcher7179]

As Johnny said, would you "tell your kids there are no rules"? Pete destroyed himself and his legacy. I hope Pete gets in the HOF now. Especially since it was a "lifetime ban" and he's no longer alive. Shoeless Joe should go in the HOF first though...

[@TheSassy777]

ROSE. HOF⚾️

[@joelluongo7419]

Love Bench!

[@Steve-cw1zo]

World Series coming up, let’s honor Pete Rose!

[@cincyborn]

I agree with Johnny and Dan, but my sister will slam the table every time Pete belonged in the HOF. It pleased us that the Reds honored him with the Reds HOF induction and the life-size statue by the river , all where he was born. Dearly miss you Charlie Hustle

[@joelluongo7419]

I watch highlights of Johnny Bench! He just enjoyed the game.. seemed to just take it serious enough!

[@andrewrettig]

Love the Johnny Bench take on gambling!!

[@marksantucci4230]

I agree 1,000% with Mr. Bench that it's very sad!!!

[@watchinglclowns9890]

Pete rose needs to be in the HALL OF FAME..

[@tonydoyle9054]

Greatest catcher ever

[@guysharp1963]

Great interview

[@thomasdonlin5456]

If Pete had just signed and gone on a mea culpa tour he’d be in the HOF. A. J. Hinch did a mea culpa tour and he’s managing the Tigers in the playoffs.

[@1rwjwith]

Very moving interview…

[@stormbringercoming8105]

I respect Johnny’s honest and blunt assessment of Pete’s situation. Does Pete belong? Of course. But Rose burned every bridge he crossed with his middle finger in the air. A truly tragic figure.

[@jafopt]

Tom Tsuchia is the sculptor of all those Reds bronzes. Let’s give the artist credit.

[@kenvisocky8479]

Johnny should make the announcement that Pete Rose is in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as soon as possible

[@wmp3346]

Pete had the most AB’s that makes a huge impact on his stats

[@jmhjmh3605]

He changed your team... easy for a guy typing in his house to say that.

[@seanm3226]

Captain Obvious.

[@frankcarone3769]

GOD BLESS YOU PETE ROSE

[@sportsfisher9677]

At 13 mins: Best part of interview, Bench points out MLB makes money on gambling.

[@ashergarber3791]

Not the point. Players gambling on the sport compromises their play. Pete knew the rules.

[@luke1730]

@@sportsfisher9677 truth hurts at times

[@Johnny-re9kg]

Toronto Raptor player banned for life for betting on his own games/performance last year.

[@bobbobby-o2w]

@@ashergarber3791 That's exactly the point. Either gambling is bad or it isn't. I guess it's ok as long as MLB can make money off it, right? And Pete didn't gamble on baseball as a player.

[@mickpowers5731]

He could play. Should be in hall. Rest in peace . Pete.

[@P99-v6n]

PETE IS FIRST BALLOT NO QUESTION

[@brandonpayne4482]

It’s Heartbreaking to hear him say those words I tried to save Pete I wanted to save Pete

[@DouglasLett-z7w]

Grew up watching Pete rose play. I would put him in the same category with Ted Williams.

[@tonydoyle9054]

Sir you are not buried in Cincinnati This city loves you

[@exposethenwo6491]

Pete Rose being kept out of HOF was a political decision because his style of play and refusal to cuddle with the big wigs in the front office didn't gain him many friends amongst politicians.

[@stephenchristian5739]

Watch J BENCH talk about PR, it really clarifies how good he was.

[@jaytomheldman5170]

late '60s...American muscle cars. Pete Rose, Matty Alou & Rico Carty leading the NL in batting avg. JB rookie of year '68.