Hall of Famer catcher Johnny Bench still a fan of Reds

But while he is an avid fan of the Reds, Bench still keeps track of what’s going on in baseball. He likes some of what he sees, although not everything. Still, he said the game itself hasn’t changed over the years.

“We perceive it being different because they (players) make so much money, and there’s more radio talk shows, more TV and you can watch it 24 hours a day,” said Bench, adding he isn’t too sure about the added wild card spot in each league. “And you still (get the feeling) there’s only two teams in the world, Boston and New York, which hasn’t changed a bit.

“There’s more deception. Just open the newspaper, read the box scores and enjoy what’s going on, instead of listening to a lot of the talking heads that seem to focus, unfortunately, more on the on the negatives guys do.

“We see this guy and that guy (do well) and you don’t want to mention their names because you don’t want to give them the press.”

Bench also said that while players today are “bigger and stronger,” players in his time could still compete with today’s talent.

“Are they better? No,” he said. “We would have all played.”

Thanks to Drew.