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Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989, Johnny Bench is undoubtedly the greatest catcher ever as stated by the Sporting News in late 1998, in which Johnny was named the 16th greatest player of all time. His successes include National League Rookie of the Year (1968), National League Most Valuable Player awards (1970 & 1972), World Series MVP (1976), 14-time All-Star, and 10 Gold Gloves. In 1980, Bench set an endurance record by catching 100 or more games for 13 consecutive seasons. Then, in 1999, Johnny received baseball's esteemed honor of selection to the All Century Team on October 24. Over the years, Johnny has maintained a sense of balance by using his celebrity status to aid such worthy causes as the Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the 'Catch the Cure' program of the Children's Hospital of Cincinnati.
This flame treated H & B Louisville Slugger is 35.25 inches in length and weighs approximately 33 ounces. The bat shows moderate use including ball marks, hit marks, and significant pine tar application approximately 9 inches from the knob extending 4 inches toward the barrel. The model number B278 is stamped on the knob, and Bench's uniform number 5 has been written on both the knob and cupped barrel end in vintage faded red marker. This bat has what is generally referred to as 1973-75 era labeling --- a review of Johnny Bench's personal H & B records confirms multiple orders of cupped B278 bats with these dimensions shipped to Bench during this labeling period. This bat has sustained a splir along the grain on the back of the barrel. The wood is non-displaced and does not affect the display of this bat at all. This bat is a great example of a mid-1970s gamer from one of the best catchers in baseball history, Johnny Bench.View Lot Detail page
This flame treated H & B Louisville Slugger is 35.25 inches in length and weighs approximately 33 ounces. The bat shows moderate use including ball marks, hit marks, and significant pine tar application approximately 9 inches from the knob extending 4 inches toward the barrel. The model number B278 is stamped on the knob, and Bench's uniform number 5 has been written on both the knob and cupped barrel end in vintage faded red marker. This bat has what is generally referred to as 1973-75 era labeling --- a review of Johnny Bench's personal H & B records confirms multiple orders of cupped B278 bats with these dimensions shipped to Bench during this labeling period. This bat has sustained a splir along the grain on the back of the barrel. The wood is non-displaced and does not affect the display of this bat at all. This bat is a great example of a mid-1970s gamer from one of the best catchers in baseball history, Johnny Bench.View Lot Detail page