Yogi Berra vs Johnny Bench: A Peak Performance Analysis

Introduction

Comparing Yogi Berra and Johnny Bench at their peaks involves evaluating their offensive and defensive contributions as catchers during their respective careers. This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of their performances, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each player.

Yogi Berra

Peak Years: Primarily in the 1950s

Berra’s peak performance was during the 1950s, primarily with the New York Yankees. During this period, he was a solid hitter with a .285 batting average, 358 home runs, and aOPS of .830. Berra's offensive prowess was complemented by his remarkable versatility, as he also won the MVP award three times, in 1951, 1954, and 1955.

In terms of defensive skills, Berra was renowned for his excellent game-calling and his ability to handle pitchers. He had an impressive record of 2,120 games caught, and he was known for his toughness behind the plate during his peak years.

Johnny Bench

Peak Years: Primarily in the 1970s

Johnny Bench’s peak was in the 1970s, during which he played for the Cincinnati Reds. His career batting average was .267, and he hit 389 home runs, along with an OPS of .837. Bench demonstrated remarkable offensive consistency and won the MVP award twice, in 1968 and 1970, cementing his place among the elite catchers of his era.

Bench was widely regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball history. He boasted a strong arm, exceptional blocking skills, and won two Gold Glove awards. His defensive excellence made him a dominant force in the diamond, marked by his ability to make incredible plays that often turned the tide of games.

Comparative Analysis

Offensively

Both Yogi Berra and Johnny Bench were exceptional hitters. However, Berra’s batting average (.285) was marginally higher than Bench’s (.267) during their respective peak years. Berra’s overall offensive production was slightly better as well, with a higher OPS throughout his career. Specifically, Berra had 22 more total bases, 15 more runs, 16 more RBIs, and a higher OPS of .030 compared to Bench outside of their four-year peak seasons mentioned earlier.

Defensively

Bench is often considered the superior defensive catcher with a stronger arm and better overall defensive metrics. His strong arm and exceptional blocking skills made him a formidable presence behind the plate. However, Berra’s defensive skills were still commendable, and he was known for his toughness and game-calling abilities.

Conclusion

Offensively, Berra might be seen slightly superior due to his higher batting average and overall offensive production. Defensively, Bench is often regarded as the better catcher due to his strong arm, exceptional blocking skills, and two Gold Glove awards. However, the final answer may depend on personal preferences regarding offensive versus defensive contributions.

Statistical Analysis

To provide a more in-depth look, let's examine the oWAR (Offensive Wins Above Replacement) values by age for both players. Bench had four exceptional offensive years starting at age 21, 22, 24, and 26, where he outperformed Berra. These years were significantly better than any season Berra ever had. However, when these four seasons are removed, the two had comparable careers.

Comparing their batting statistics at the ages of 21, 22, 24, and 26, Bench was a significantly better hitter. During these peak years, Bench recorded 33 more total bases, 38 more walks, 19 more RBIs, and a higher OPS of 0.078. However, over the rest of their careers, Berra’s offensive performance was stronger, as he recorded 22 more total bases, 15 more runs, 16 more RBIs, and a better OPS of .030.

Johnny Bench was a better hitter before his 1974 lung surgery, but his performance declined afterwards. Coupled with dWAR (Defensive Wins Above Replacement), Bench was significantly better until he stopped catching at age 32. However, dWAR is not very accurate for catchers as it relies heavily on pitcher effectiveness and stolen bases/caught stealing.

While I did not see Yogi Berra play live, contemporary opinions support the notion that he was perhaps a notch down from an average MLB defensive catcher, while Bench was one of the best in baseball history.