Johnny Bench Memorabilia Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

Cincinnati Reds great Johnny Bench is considered the greatest catcher in Major League Baseball history. A cornerstone of two World Series Championship teams in 1975 and 1976, Bench would go on to win 10 Gold Gloves and two National League Most Valuable Player awards during his Hall of Fame career. Debuting in August 1967 for the Reds, Bench wasted no time making impressions. Shortly after his call up, the great Ted Williams signed a baseball for Bench with "A Hall of Famer for sure" written along with his signature. Bench's first full season in 1968 set the pace for what surely would become a Hall of Fame career. Hitting .275 while belting 15 home runs and 82 runs batted in; Bench was named the 1968 Rookie of the Year along with his first of 10 Gold Gloves for his fine defense at the battery. Bench's season on 1970 raised the bar forever for catchers. Hitting .293 along with 45 homers while driving in 148 RBIs, Bench would be named the National League Most Valuable Player. Going on to win another MVP in 1972, Bench's production both offensive and defensive was the catalyst for the juggernaut that was the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s. Nicknamed "The Great Red Machine,” the back-to-back World Series Championship Reds' teams are among the greatest baseball teams ever constructed. When all eight position players started games during those two seasons, they had a winning percentage of .784.

At the center of the Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" was Bench. Usually reserved for players with the inability to play elsewhere on the diamond, Bench was baseball's first great catcher. His unparalleled defense behind the plate revolutionized the position and, coupled with his amazing offensive production, earned him a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. A timeless player, Johnny Bench set and raised the standards for the catching position forever while winning two National League Most Valuable Player awards and 14 All-Star Game appearances. His position in baseball and sports history is set forever and just as his contributions to the game have set the standard.  Add the greatest man to ever play his position to your collection today.

• Ted Williams Signed Baseball: As Ted Williams had assured him on a signed baseball in August of 1967, Johnny Bench was a Hall of Famer for sure. The journey for Bench really started back in 1968, where thanks to hitting .275 with 15 homers and 82 RBIs, he was named the 1968 National League Rookie of the Year. Bench hand-signed this Rawlings Major League baseball along with the inscription "ROY 68.” Add this timeless asset to your collection today!

• Big Red Machine Autographed Photo: Compiling two World Series Championships in 1975 and 1976, Cincinnati's Big Red Machine was the team of the 1970s. Going 953-657 during the decade, the Reds are the only National League team to win back-to-back World Series since 1922. This great photograph, signed by Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez is a great centerpiece for your baseball collection and a must-have for true Reds fans. Along with three National Baseball Hall of Famers, this photograph is signed by Reds great Pete Rose, whom many consider the greatest hitter in baseball history, though currently held out of the Hall for gambling. An absolute homerun, add this piece of baseball history to your home or office today!

• Signed Jersey, HoF '89: After a standard-setting, illustrious 16-year Major League career, two-time National League Most Valuable Player Johnny Bench retired from baseball in 1983. Six years after hanging up the cleats, Bench was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. With his name appearing on 96 percent of all ballots cast, the two-time World Series Champ received the third highest approval percentage in history.  The cornerstone of the Big Red Machine, Bench hand-signed this great Majestic Cooperstown Collection Reds jersey along with the inscription "HOF 89.” A great addition to your collection, this jersey will only appreciate in value over time. A Schwartz Sports credit card certificate of authenticity (COA), which includes an image of the item and matching tamper-proof holograms, is included. Add Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to your collection today!

• Signed Gold Glove Baseball: A winner of an amazing 10 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1968 through 1977, baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench forever set the standard for greatness at the catcher's position in baseball. A World Series MVP and 14-time All-Star, Bench hand-signed this special Rawlings Gold Glove Award baseball and included the inscription "10X Gold Glove" below his signature. A must-have for any Reds fan, special edition baseballs such as these are sure to ascend in value. Turn an investment into an asset today with this commemorative baseball signed by one of the game's all-time greats, Johnny Bench!

• Autographed Bat, HoF '89 Inscription: Collection over 2,000 career hits and belting 389 home runs, Johnny Bench is one of the greatest hitting catchers in baseball history. A 14-time All-Star and the face of baseball during the 1970s, Bench is a timeless player who will be remembered forever for his outstanding defense and offensive productivity. Hall of Famer Johnny Bench hand-signed this Rawlings baseball bat along with inscribing "HOF 89" on the barrel. Commemorate one of sport’s all-time greats forever with this great piece of authentic big league history.

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