Johnny Bench
From BR Bullpen
Johnny Lee Bench
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 208 lb.
- Debut August 28, 1967
- Final Game September 29, 1983
- Born December 7, 1947 in Oklahoma City, OK USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1989
[edit] Biographical Information
"I can throw out any man alive." - Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench, perhaps the best catcher ever, was a two-time MVP, a perennial All-Star, a two-time home run champ, and a key player on the Big Red Machine. He won ten Gold Gloves, beginning in his first full season in the majors. In 2007, he was named to the Rawlings All-Time Gold Glove Team.
He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2nd round (36th overall pick) in the 1965 amateur draft.
He appeared in four World Series, hitting 5 home runs and slugging over .500. Fooled into taking strike three by Rollie Fingers and the Oakland A's in the 1972 World Series after the A's gave the signal for an intentional walk.
He caught 100+ games for 13 straight years (1968-1980).
Arguably the best catcher in the history of baseball, Bench was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 9, 1989 by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Host of the 1980's kids show "The Baseball Bunch", which also featured the San Diego Chicken and Tommy Lasorda. He was also a Reds broadcaster from 1987 to 1990.
He was also inducted to the Peninsula Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. His number 8 is retired at Peninsula also. Bench is also a member of the Carolina League Hall of Fame and was Carolina League rookie of the year in 1966.
- First Baseball Card appearance 1968 Topps
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1967 Minor League Player of the Year, Buffalo Bisons, International League
- 1968 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 1968 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 14-time NL All-Star (1968-1980 & 1983)
- 2-time NL MVP (1970 & 1972)
- 1976 World Series MVP
- 10-time NL Gold Glove Winner (1968-1977)
- NL Total Bases Leader (1974)
- 2-time NL Home Runs Leader (1970 & 1972)
- 3-time NL RBI Leader (1970, 1972 & 1974)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 11 (1969-1975 & 1977-1980)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 4 (1970, 1972, 1974 & 1977)
- 40-Home Run Seasons: 2 (1970 & 1972)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 6 (1970, 1972-1975 & 1977)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1974)
- Won two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds (1975 & 1976)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 1989
| NL MVP | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 1970 | 1971 |
| Willie McCovey | Johnny Bench | Joe Torre |
| 1971 | 1972 | 1973 |
| Joe Torre | Johnny Bench | Pete Rose |
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
| Tom Seaver | Johnny Bench | Ted Sizemore |
