Salvador Perez vs. Johnny Bench: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

The debate between Salvador Perez and Johnny Bench has been a frequent topic among baseball enthusiasts. While both catchers have impressive achievements, Johnny Bench stands out as the greatest in history. This article seeks to analyze their careers and provide a definitive comparison.

Salvador Perez: A Notable Season

Salvador Perez is having a remarkable season, particularly in home run production. As of the time of writing, he has hit 46 home runs with 115 RBIs. These statistics are exceptional for a catcher, making a strong case for his abilities. However, it's important to consider his career context. At 31, Perez is experiencing the peak of his career. Historically, catchers peak in their late 20s, a timeline consistent with Perez's age.

Comparing Offensive Performance

Salvador Perez's career OPS stands at 104, which is above average but not exceptional. In contrast, Johnny Bench's career OPS is significantly higher, around 109, as stated by various sources. This difference reflects their offensive prowess. Bench was a true powerhouse, hitting 459 home runs in his career, which is more than double Perez's 263 home runs to date. His lifetime average of 29 home runs and 100 RBIs per decade is simply unmatched.

Defensive Performance

Both catchers have excelled defensively, with Bench setting the standard. Johnny Bench won ten consecutive Gold Gloves in a row from 1968 to 1977, a feat no other catcher has achieved. Furthermore, Bench threw out 36.8% of base stealers, one of the highest success rates in MLB history. Perez, while a Gold Glove-caliber catcher, has won only five Gold Gloves and his career success rate is generally lower.

Achievements and Recognition

Johnny Bench has an impressive list of accolades, including two MVP awards, 14 All-Star selections, and the record for most home runs and RBIs among catchers. His career WAR of 5.62 (compared to Perez's 4.2) and JAWS (Jaffe WAR System) that ranks him among the top catchers of all time, further solidify his legacy.

Expert Opinions

Experts and other Hall of Famers have praised Bench's greatness. For instance, Pete Rose, himself another Hall of Famer, once stated, 'The best catcher of all time? No one comes close to Johnny Bench.' His game was described as 'all power,' with Willie Mays being the only comparable hitter.

Conclusion

While Salvador Perez is having an outstanding season, his career trajectory and statistics place him below the all-time great, Johnny Bench. Perez's offensive and defensive numbers are impressive, but the comparison to the legendary Bench leaves him short. Bench's overall impact on the game, both offensively and defensively, is unmatched.