>> Basically Rose is saying that Bench had a lot of RBIs because Rose was always on base. That’s pretty much a true statement, Rose set records for hits and he batted ahead of Bench. <<
Rose had a thoroughly mediocre on-base percentage. Bench was actually LESS likely to drive in runs because Rose batted in front of him. THAT’S a statistical fact.
Imagine if Rod Carew had hit in front of Johnny Bench and George Foster? Carew was a selective hitter. Walked a lot. Hit closer to .400 than .300 many years.
I dispute your fact. Rose played for I think 48 seasons, more or less. I may be off but it was lots and lots anyway. His numbers in his first few years weren't stellar and not in the last several seasons either. That waters down his career numbers for sure. But in his peak years, mostly with the Reds, Rose won three batting titles, came in second twice, and finished in the top ten a total of 13 times. Rose led the league in on-base percentage twice, and finished in the top-five eight times. He led the NL in hits seven times, and finished in the top five an 15, yes 15 seasons. Plus he led the league in doubles and finished in the top 5 14 times. He was on base and in scoring position a lot.
It is a fact that Rose was not a thoroughly mediocre hitter.