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Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 1989, Player -
431 votes on 447 ballots - 96.42%Born: December 7, 1947,
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
ML Debut: 8/28/1967
Primary Position: Catcher
Bats: R Throws: R Primary Uniform #: 5
Played For: Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983)
Post-Season: 1970 World Series, 1972 World Series, 1975
World Series, 1976 World Series, 1970 NLCS, 1972 NLCS, 1973 NLCS,
1979 NLCS
Awards: All-Star (14): 1968-1980, 1983; National League MVP
1970, 1972; Rookie of the Year 1968; Gold Glove (10): 1968-1977;
1976 World Series MVP
Bio
As one of the most impressive defensive catchers, Johnny Bench was
also considered to be an outstanding hitter. A durable catcher,
noted for his excellent baseball intelligence, Bench won 10 Gold
Glove awards, two Most Valuable Player awards, and the Rookie of the
Year Award during his 17-year National League career. A skilled
hitter, the 14-time All-Star selection belted 389 home runs and led
the league in RBI three times as a leader of the “Big Red Machine”
teams of the 1970s.
Quote
"Every time Bench throws, everybody in baseball drools."
— Harry Dalton
Did You Know... that Johnny Bench was a pioneer of the
one-handed style of catching prevalent today, and was the first
backstop to wear a protective helmet while behind the plate? |