Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

[Auction robot]

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.

From the personal collection of Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers comes this beautiful flame treated H & B Louisville Slugger, 35 inches in length and weighing approximately 32 ounces. The bat is uncracked, and shows light-to-medium use including ball marks, hit marks, and rack marks. The model number S226 is stamped on the barrel label, and Bench's uniform number 5 has been written on both the knob and cupped barrel end in black marker. This bat has what are generally referred to as 1977-79 labeling --- a review of Johnny Bench's personal H & B records dates this bat specifically to 1979, when Bench ordered cupped S226 bats with these dimensions on 5/1/79 and 9/26/79.

According to Rollie Fingers, the bat was given to him by Johnny Bench in San Diego. Fingers has provided a signed Letter of Authenticity which states, "Bat given to me by Johnny Bench in San Diego in 1977."

Here is an opportunity to obtain a piece of personal memorabilia used by one Hall of Fame player, Johnny Bench, and given to another HOFer, Rollie Fingers. In addition to the player-to-player appeal of this bat, the bat itself is as nice a Bench gamer as you are likely to find --- its display quality is outstanding.View Lot Detail page

[jetersbatboy]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

If this bat is dated specifically to two orders in 1979, is Mr fingers mistaken on the date he received the bat(1977)? Also does this affect the authenticy of the LOA or bat?
Thanks Scott

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

Personally, that wouldnt concern me too much. We know that the bat was made in '79 and Fingers was pitching in SD in '79. It could be a typo on the letter or Fingers didnt remember the exact year, only that he received the bat in SD.....just my opinion

[MSpecht]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

My opinion during the authentication of this bat was that Fingers was mistaken about the specific year, as he was writing the LOA some 28-plus years after his receipt of the bat. As he correctly identified San Diego as the era he personally received the bat from Bench, and the bat matches Bench's H & B factory records for both eras (H & B labeling period AND Fingers' tenure in San Diego), that is the logical conclusion. Bottom line-- 1) the bat is a professional model bat manufactured for the professional use of Johnny Bench and exhibits distinct characteristics of his game use, 2) the bat matched Bench's personal H & B factory records, and 3) the bat was sourced directly from Rollie Fingers.


Mike Specht Jackitout7@aol.com

[jetersbatboy]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

Mike,
Thanks for the clarification...

Best Scott

[RobSteinmetz]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

Hi Guys.

I just spoke to Mr. Fingers, and while he knew he received this bat while playing with the Padres, he was mistaken on it being received in 1977. I presented Mike's research to him, and he agreed that the bat was obtained in 1979. As a result, he is sending me a revised LOA (which will be hand-signed by Rollie, indicating the bat was personally obtained from Bench in 1979). The winning bidder will receive this revised LOA. If you have other questions, feel free to let me know.

Best,

Rob

[Kong's Landing]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

My only experience with Johnny Bench was at a Celebrity Golf Outing back in 94'. I was there to see Dan Marino, but thought about getting a few other signatures at the end of the round to give to my nephew. I had no problems getting anyone's autograph except (MJ...obvious) & Johnny who refused to sign my index card.
I've seen him at many shows and it appears that he's just there for the $$$$$ and could care less about the people.
He's not the only one by any means as there's a number of guys out there like this.
I remember hearing that Emmitt Smith spent 3 hours signing & did not look up once.

EB

[pietraynor]

Re: Johnny Bench 1977-79 H&B Professional Model Used Bat Gifted to Rollie Fingers (Rollie Fingers LOA)

I've never had a problem w/Bench, last saw him 2mos ago on his book tour when he came thru Columbus Oh at Cooper Stadium..He did a B&N book store signing in the afternoon, then to the stadium for a 2hr signing afterwards..Still in a good mood, shook hands w/everyone..I watched the end of the signing when he left & he took a handful of hot dogs the Clippers had given him!..Of course you had to buy the book & that was the only item he would sign, but still, nothing negative to report here..Wish I could say the same about all signing I've been to in the past. Jay.